Nutty Orange Rice Recipe - Delicious Rice with Mandarin Orange, Coconut and Nuts

Nutty Orange Rice

Nutty Orange Rice Recipe - Delicious Rice with Mandarin Orange, Coconut and Nuts
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Nutty Orange Rice
Nutty Orange Rice

Nutty Orange Rice is a delicious and unique dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the crunch of nuts and coconut. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or as a side dish for a family dinner.

History

The origins of Nutty Orange Rice are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the United States in the mid-20th century. This dish became popular for its combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Fold oranges, celery, chutney, coconut, nuts, and salt into whipped cream.
  2. Spoon rice into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish and spread the cream mixture on top.
  3. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Substitute the mandarin oranges with pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
  • Use almond or cashew nuts instead of the traditional walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the mandarin orange segments well before adding them to the dish to prevent excess liquid.

- Be sure to fold the ingredients gently into the whipped cream to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

- For added crunch, toast the nuts before adding them to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Nutty Orange Rice can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Nutty Orange Rice helps to meld the flavors together and create a crispy top layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whipped cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.

- Feel free to use any type of nuts or dried fruits in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Nutty Orange Rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This dish can also be served cold as a refreshing salad.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Nutty Orange Rice with fresh mint leaves or additional chopped nuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nutty Orange Rice pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Nutty Orange Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nutty Orange Rice contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nutty Orange Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nutty Orange Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Nutty Orange Rice contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Nutty Orange Rice is a good source of Vitamin C from the mandarin oranges and Vitamin E from the nuts.

Alergens

Nutty Orange Rice contains nuts and dairy (whipped cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Nutty Orange Rice is a flavorful dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Nutty Orange Rice is a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its unique combination of ingredients and textures, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

As soon as I walked into her cozy little cottage, I could smell the fragrant aroma of oranges and nuts wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a big hug, and then she handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written in her elegant handwriting.

"Here, my dear, I thought you might like to try this Nutty Orange Rice recipe. It's one of my favorites, and I think you'll love it too," Maria said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I eagerly scanned the recipe, taking in the simple yet enticing list of ingredients. Rice, orange zest, chopped nuts, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. It sounded like the perfect combination of flavors, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Maria showed me how to prepare the dish step by step, guiding me through the process with patience and grace. She explained that the key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors was to toast the nuts until they were golden brown and fragrant, to bring out their natural sweetness.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I listened attentively to Maria's stories about how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me about the secret ingredient that her grandmother always used to make the dish extra special – a dash of cinnamon, which added a warm, comforting touch to the dish.

I watched Maria's hands move with precision and skill as she measured out each ingredient and stirred them together in the pot. Her movements were graceful and practiced, a testament to the years of experience she had gained in the kitchen.

After the rice had cooked to perfection, Maria scooped it into a serving dish and sprinkled it with a generous handful of toasted nuts and a sprinkle of orange zest. The dish looked absolutely gorgeous, with its vibrant orange hues and crunchy nutty topping.

We sat down at the table and dug into the Nutty Orange Rice with gusto, savoring each spoonful as the flavors danced on our taste buds. The dish was a symphony of textures and tastes – the fluffy rice, the crunchy nuts, the zesty orange zest, and the warm undertones of cinnamon.

As I savored the last bite of the Nutty Orange Rice, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Maria and her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It was a dish that had not only nourished our bodies but also warmed our hearts and strengthened our bond as friends.

From that day on, Nutty Orange Rice became a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would often prepare for family gatherings and special occasions. I would think back fondly on the day I learned the recipe from Maria, and how it had brought us closer together in our shared love of cooking and good food.

And so, the recipe for Nutty Orange Rice became not just a dish that I could make, but a cherished memory of a dear friend and a moment in time that I would always hold close to my heart. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul, and to create lasting connections that would endure for a lifetime.

Categories

| American Recipes | Celery Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Mandarin Orange Recipes | Nut Recipes | Side Dish Rice Recipes |

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