Golden Apricot Rice Dressing

Golden Apricot Rice Dressing Recipe - A Delicious Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Golden Apricot Rice Dressing is a flavorful and unique side dish that combines the sweetness of dried apricots with savory rice and vegetables. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a delicious addition to any meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in Southern cuisine, where rice dressings are a popular side dish for holiday meals and gatherings. The addition of dried apricots adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to the traditional rice dressing recipe.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of chopped onion
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 cup of uncooked rice
1 cup of sliced celery
0.5 cup of julienned green bell pepper
2 cups of chicken broth
0.13 tsp of ground white pepper
0.25 cup of chopped dried apricots
2 tbsp of sugar

How to prepare

Cook the onion in butter in a 2- to 3 qt (2.84-liter) saucepan until it becomes soft but not brown. Add the rice, celery, green pepper, broth, and white pepper. Bring it to a boil and stir. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the apricots and sugar. Replace the cover and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Toss it lightly before serving.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a main dish.
Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for the apricots for a different flavor profile.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion until it is soft but not browned to avoid a bitter taste in the dish.

- Stir the rice occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Let the dish stand for a few minutes after adding the apricots and sugar to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Golden Apricot Rice Dressing as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice dressing covered to allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook evenly.

- Toss the dish lightly before serving to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.

- Use fresh apricots instead of dried for a different texture and taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Golden Apricot Rice Dressing can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped nuts for a pop of color and added crunch. Serve it in a decorative serving bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Golden Apricot Rice Dressing with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the flavors of the dish. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 4g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and may contain traces of nuts (apricots).

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, with a moderate amount of fats and proteins. It is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Summary

Golden Apricot Rice Dressing is a delicious and unique side dish that combines the sweetness of dried apricots with savory rice and vegetables. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a side dish or main course for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Golden Apricot Rice Dressing. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Margie for our weekly quilting gathering. As we sat around her cozy kitchen table, sipping on sweet iced tea and stitching away at our latest projects, I couldn't help but notice the delicious aroma wafting from the stove.

"What's that wonderful smell, Margie?" I asked, my stomach growling in anticipation.

"Oh, that's just my Golden Apricot Rice Dressing," she replied with a smile. "Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a bite of the dish she had prepared. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the apricots, the richness of the rice, and the hint of spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

"Margie, this is absolutely divine! Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?" I asked, already imagining myself making this dish for my own family.

Margie's eyes twinkled with delight as she handed me a faded index card with her handwritten recipe scrawled on it. She explained that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who had immigrated from Hungary.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The recipe called for simple, wholesome ingredients that reminded me of my own childhood in the countryside. I could almost smell the apricot orchards and hear the rustling of the rice fields as I imagined the origins of this dish.

Over the years, I have made Margie's Golden Apricot Rice Dressing countless times, each time with a sense of pride and gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that she had shared with me. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a drizzle of honey, but the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of flavors and memories that brings joy to everyone who tastes it.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Golden Apricot Rice Dressing for a family gathering, I can't help but reflect on the journey that led me to this moment. From that fateful day at Margie's kitchen table to the countless hours spent experimenting and perfecting the recipe, each step has been a labor of love and a testament to the power of food to connect us to our past and nourish our souls.

As the sweet aroma of apricots and spices fills the air, I can't help but smile and think of Margie and her great-grandmother, both of whom have inspired me to become the cook and storyteller that I am today. And as my family gathers around the table to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste it.

So here's to Margie, her great-grandmother, and all the other cooks and food lovers who have shared their recipes and stories with me over the years. May their culinary traditions live on in my kitchen and in the hearts of all those who enjoy a taste of Golden Apricot Rice Dressing. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories that last a lifetime.