Walnut Cider Rice

Walnut Cider Rice Recipe | Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Walnut Cider Rice is a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavors of apple cider, walnuts, and cinnamon with tender rice and crunchy celery. This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal, and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The combination of apples and walnuts in savory dishes has been a popular culinary tradition for centuries. This recipe takes that classic flavor pairing and adds a twist with the addition of apple cider and cinnamon. The result is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients

0.25 cup chopped onion
0.25 cup chopped celery
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup apple cider
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
1 small tart red apple, cored and chopped
0.5 cup chopped walnuts

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, cook onion and celery in butter until they are tender crisp. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add cider, rice, salt, cinnamon, and water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Add apple and walnuts to the saucepan and toss them lightly. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a sweeter version of this dish, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before serving.
To make this recipe vegan, you can use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the onion, celery, and apple finely to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch.

- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Walnut Cider Rice can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or pork, or enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Walnut Cider Rice is to cook the rice until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice or even chicken broth as a substitute. You can also use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Walnut Cider Rice up to a day in advance and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Walnut Cider Rice with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few extra chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a decorative serving dish for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Walnut Cider Rice pairs well with roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or turkey. It also goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Walnut Cider Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Walnut Cider Rice contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Walnut Cider Rice contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Walnut Cider Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Walnut Cider Rice contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Walnut Cider Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (margarine), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Walnut Cider Rice is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Walnut Cider Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Walnut Cider Rice. It was a crisp fall day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and the smell of apples and cinnamon filled the air. I was visiting a quaint little apple orchard in the countryside, where they were serving samples of their famous apple cider and homemade treats.

As I sipped on the warm cider, I overheard a group of ladies talking excitedly about a new recipe they had just tried. Walnut Cider Rice, they called it. Intrigued, I asked them for the recipe, and they were more than happy to share it with me.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing. It combined the warmth of apple cider with the crunch of walnuts and the creaminess of rice. I knew I had to try it for myself.

I rushed home and gathered all the ingredients I needed. I cooked the rice in apple cider instead of water, added in a generous amount of toasted walnuts, and seasoned it with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup. The result was a dish that was both comforting and delicious, filled with the flavors of fall.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends. I made it for Sunday dinner, and everyone raved about it. They couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful dish.

From that day on, Walnut Cider Rice became a staple in my recipe collection. I made it for every fall gathering, every holiday meal, and whenever I wanted to bring a taste of autumn into my home.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe. I've added in dried cranberries for a pop of tartness, or substituted pecans for the walnuts for a different flavor profile. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the dish remains the same - warm, comforting, and full of fall flavors.

I've shared this recipe with countless people over the years, passing it down to my children and grandchildren. It has become a family favorite, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the changing seasons.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the familiar scents of apples and cinnamon, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day at the apple orchard. It led me to discover a recipe that has brought joy to so many people, including myself. And for that, I am truly thankful.