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Flavorful Holiday Rice Pilaf Recipe with Cranberries and Almonds

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A quick and easy festive side dish featuring fluffy rice, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds, perfect for holiday meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 300g), rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (720ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (use dairy-free margarine if needed)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (about 75g)
  • ½ cup sliced almonds (about 50g), toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear (about 1-2 minutes). Set aside to drain.
  2. Toast the sliced almonds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  5. Stir in ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Add the rinsed rice and stir well to coat with butter and spices. Toast the rice lightly for about 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5-7 minutes to finish steaming.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and chopped parsley if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or almond slices if desired.

Notes

Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Let rice rest covered after cooking to finish steaming. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and use vegetable broth. If rice seems dry, stir in a tablespoon of broth or warm water before fluffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday rice pilaf, cranberry rice, almond rice pilaf, festive side dish, easy holiday recipe, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/flavorful-holiday-rice-pilaf-recipe-with-cranberries-and-almonds-easy-and-perfect-for-festive-meals/