Herbed Walnut Rice

Herbed Walnut Rice Recipe

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

Introduction

Herbed Walnut Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the earthy taste of walnuts with a blend of herbs and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

The combination of herbs, nuts, and rice has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional rice dishes from around the world, adding a unique twist with the addition of walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup shredded carrot
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
0.25 tsp dried marjoram
0.25 tsp dried thyme
0.13 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
3 cups cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the onion, carrot, walnuts, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir in the rice and parsley, and heat thoroughly.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute different herbs such as basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Use different nuts such as almonds or pecans for a variation in texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to retain their texture and flavor.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herbed Walnut Rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor.

- Cooking the rice in chicken broth adds extra flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Herbed Walnut Rice with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains walnuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Herbed Walnut Rice is a nutritious dish that is low in saturated fat and calories. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Herbed Walnut Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a blend of herbs, vegetables, and walnuts, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun shines brightly and the birds sing sweetly. I had just finished a morning of shopping at the local farmer's market, where I had picked up fresh herbs, walnuts, and rice. As I unpacked my bags in the kitchen, I came across a faded recipe card tucked away in the bottom of one of the bags.

Curious, I pulled out the card and read the handwritten instructions. It was a recipe for Herbed Walnut Rice, a dish I had never heard of before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. The ingredients seemed simple enough, and I had everything I needed on hand.

I followed the instructions carefully, chopping the fresh herbs finely and toasting the walnuts until they were fragrant. The smell that wafted through my kitchen was heavenly, a mix of earthy herbs and nutty walnuts. As the rice cooked, I stirred in the herbs and walnuts, letting the flavors meld together.

When the dish was finally ready, I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect balance of savory and nutty. I was instantly hooked.

From that day on, Herbed Walnut Rice became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and just for myself on lazy evenings. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes. I added a pinch of garlic for extra flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness. Each time I made it, the dish brought back memories of that sunny summer day when I first discovered it.

As I grew older, I realized the importance of passing down recipes to the next generation. I wanted my grandchildren to experience the same joy and satisfaction that I felt when I cooked a delicious meal from scratch. So, I taught them how to make Herbed Walnut Rice, sharing the story of how I found the recipe and the memories that it held for me.

Now, whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they always ask for Herbed Walnut Rice. It has become a family tradition, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the love and care that goes into every meal. I am grateful for the recipe and the memories that come with it, and I hope that my grandchildren will continue to make it for years to come.