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Flavorful Rice Pilaf Recipe with Dried Cranberries and Pecans

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A warm, nutty rice pilaf featuring toasted pecans and sweet dried cranberries, infused with cinnamon and broth for a comforting and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (270g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g), softened
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (720ml)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (75g)
  • ¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped (90g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the rice grains are lightly toasted and glossy with butter.
  5. Stir in cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any toasted bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  8. Stir in the toasted pecans and dried cranberries evenly.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully over medium heat to avoid burning. Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Do not lift the lid while simmering to ensure even cooking. Add dried cranberries and pecans after cooking to maintain texture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based spread. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice pilaf, dried cranberries, pecans, side dish, easy recipe, holiday recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-rice-pilaf-recipe-with-dried-cranberries-and-pecans-easy-guide/