Asian Orange Rice Pilaf
Orange and raisins add flavor and wonderful aroma to this simple pilaf. It makes a great lunch or snack by itself, or a delicious side dish alongside grilled salmon.
Vegan
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 cups water
Combine almonds, orange juice, zest, and sesame oil in a blender or food processor. Blend or process until smooth, about 10 to 15 seconds.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add salt, tarragon, pepper, and raisins and stir.
Add orange mixture and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 18 to 23 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
PER SERVING Calories: 288 | Fat: 9 g | Protein: 4 g | Sodium: 239 mg | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Fiber: 4 g
All About Almonds
You can buy almonds in all shapes and sizes: halved, slivered, sliced, blanched, with their shells off, and with their shells on. Whatever variety you go with, it's a good choice. Almonds are both delicious and good for you. They're a rich source of vitamin E, which is great for your skin, as well as monounsaturated fat, one of the two “good” fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.
