Rosemary Rice with Walnuts

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts Recipe - Vegan & Vegetarian

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the earthy taste of brown basmati rice with the nuttiness of walnuts and the fragrant essence of fresh rosemary. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a special meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional rice pilaf dishes, incorporating the unique flavors of rosemary and walnuts for a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cup of brown basmati rice
1.75 cups of water
0.25 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
0.5 cup of chopped celery
1 clove of minced garlic
0.5 cup of small walnut pieces
2.5 tbsp of chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp of tamari

How to prepare

Wash and drain the rice, then place it in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Allow the rice to dry out slightly and toast lightly. Then, add the water and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Afterwards, cover the saucepan and cook over low heat without stirring for 40 minutes.
Allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes before removing the lid.
Fluff the rice using a rice paddle or fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the walnuts and rosemary to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5 minutes more.
Mix in the tamari sauce until well combined.
Combine the sautéed mixture with the cooked rice.
Serve immediately or reheat in a casserole dish.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute pine nuts or almonds for the walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Stir in some cooked chickpeas or black beans for added protein and fiber.

Notes

Variation: Add 0.5 cup sliced Mushrooms along with the walnuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the rice before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.

- Be sure to let the rice rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of rosemary and walnuts to suit your personal taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rosemary Rice with Walnuts as a side dish for roasted chicken or grilled fish. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the rice before cooking helps to enhance its nutty flavor and adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Sautéing the onion, celery, and garlic before mixing them with the rice helps to develop their flavors and create a delicious base for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown basmati rice, you can use white basmati rice or another type of long-grain rice. You can also substitute dried rosemary for fresh rosemary, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice and walnut mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the rice and mix in the walnut mixture before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a decorative touch. Serve the rice in a colorful bowl or on a platter for an eye-catching presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled fish, or vegetable stir-fry. It also complements a glass of white wine or herbal tea for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Rosemary Rice with Walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rosemary Rice with Walnuts contains approximately 250 calories. This dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rosemary Rice with Walnuts contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Rosemary Rice with Walnuts contains approximately 8 grams of fat. The walnuts in this dish provide healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Each serving of Rosemary Rice with Walnuts contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a nutritious option for a balanced diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts is a good source of vitamin E, manganese, and copper. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains walnuts, which are a common allergen. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with another type of nut or seed.

Summary

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful option for a meal or side dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Rosemary Rice with Walnuts is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy taste of brown basmati rice with the nuttiness of walnuts and the fragrant essence of fresh rosemary. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her charming little cottage in the countryside. Mary was known for her exquisite taste in cooking, and I always looked forward to trying her new creations.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of rosemary filled the air. I watched in awe as Mary gracefully moved around the kitchen, effortlessly chopping fresh herbs and toasting walnuts. She explained to me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

I was fascinated by the way Mary combined simple ingredients to create a dish that was both elegant and comforting. The earthy aroma of rosemary mingled with the rich nuttiness of the walnuts, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

Mary handed me a spoonful of the rice, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The nutty crunch of the walnuts contrasted beautifully with the fluffy rice, while the fragrant rosemary added a subtle warmth that lingered on my palate.

I begged Mary to teach me how to make this exquisite dish, and she gladly agreed. We spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, as she patiently guided me through the steps of preparing the rosemary rice with walnuts. She explained that the key to this recipe was to toast the walnuts until they were golden brown and fragrant, as this would enhance their nutty flavor.

As the rice simmered on the stove, Mary shared with me the story of how this recipe had come to be a cherished family heirloom. She told me that her grandmother had first learned to make it from a dear friend who had immigrated from Italy. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

I listened intently as Mary shared her memories of cooking with her grandmother in the sunny kitchen of their family home. She spoke of the laughter and love that filled the air as they prepared meals together, and I could feel the warmth of those cherished moments enveloping me like a comforting embrace.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I savored each bite of the rosemary rice with walnuts, knowing that this dish was more than just a recipe – it was a taste of history, a reminder of the bonds that connect us to our past.

From that day on, the recipe for rosemary rice with walnuts became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often think of Mary and her grandmother as I prepared it, feeling their presence and the love that they had poured into every grain of rice and every crunchy walnut.

And so, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I will always remember the day that I learned to make it from my dear friend Mary, and the legacy of love and tradition that it represents.