East Indian Rice Salad

East Indian Rice Salad Recipe - Authentic and Delicious

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

East Indian Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of brown rice, wild rice, tart cherries, pecans, and mandarin oranges. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The East Indian Rice Salad recipe is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, which often incorporates a variety of grains, fruits, and nuts into dishes. This particular salad combines the earthy flavors of brown rice and wild rice with the sweet and tangy taste of cherries and mandarin oranges.

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked brown rice
1 cup of cooked wild rice
1 cup of dried tart cherries
0.25 cup of celery
0.25 cup of green onion
0.25 cup of pecans
0.5 cup of plain lowfat yogurt
salt and pepper
11 oz (312 g) of canned mandarin oranges
0.5 cucumber

How to prepare

In a large serving bowl, combine brown rice, wild rice, cherries, celery, green onions, and pecans. Mix well.
Stir in yogurt and season with salt and pepper.
Arrange orange sections and cucumber slices in a decorative pattern on top of the salad.
Refrigerate the salad, covered, for several hours to blend flavors before serving.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for the tart cherries.
Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure that it is tender and fluffy.

- For added flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve East Indian Rice Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to rinse the cooked rice under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Mix the salad gently to avoid breaking up the rice grains.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice.

- Swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts.

- Use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned.

Make Ahead Tips

East Indian Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the orange sections and cucumber slices right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve East Indian Rice Salad with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of East Indian Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of East Indian Rice Salad contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of East Indian Rice Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of East Indian Rice Salad contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

East Indian Rice Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (yogurt).

Summary

East Indian Rice Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in carbohydrates and healthy fats. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

East Indian Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a combination of grains, fruits, nuts, and yogurt, this salad is a flavorful and satisfying option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for East Indian Rice Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from a neighborhood potluck where a sweet woman named Mrs. Patel had brought this delicious dish. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - the perfect blend of spices and textures that made my taste buds sing with joy.

I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe, so I quickly made my way over to Mrs. Patel and asked her for the secret behind her amazing East Indian Rice Salad. She smiled warmly at me and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She offered to write it down for me, and I eagerly accepted, feeling like I had just uncovered a hidden treasure.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering with anticipation. The combination of basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and fragrant spices promised a culinary experience that I couldn't wait to recreate in my own kitchen. I thanked Mrs. Patel profusely and headed home, eager to start cooking.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients, making sure to select the freshest produce and highest quality spices. As I started cooking, the aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric filled my kitchen, transporting me to the bustling markets of India where these exotic flavors were born. I followed the recipe meticulously, careful not to deviate from Mrs. Patel's instructions, knowing that each step was crucial in capturing the essence of this traditional dish.

As the rice cooked and the vegetables sautéed, I could feel my anticipation building. Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I mixed everything together and took my first bite of the East Indian Rice Salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my palate. I closed my eyes and savored every mouthful, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in having successfully recreated Mrs. Patel's masterpiece.

From that day on, East Indian Rice Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I felt a sense of connection to Mrs. Patel and her family, knowing that each time I made this dish, I was honoring their heritage and keeping their culinary legacy alive.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different vegetables, spices, and garnishes to create my own signature version of East Indian Rice Salad. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the day I first discovered its magic and the wonderful woman who shared it with me.

As I look back on that warm summer day and the excitement that washed over me when I first saw the recipe for East Indian Rice Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures it has brought into my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share love with those around me. And thanks to Mrs. Patel and her delicious dish, that passion has only grown stronger, inspiring me to continue exploring new flavors, trying new recipes, and embracing the joy of cooking with every fiber of my being.