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Christmas Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds

Delightful Christmas Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds Recipe

A festive and delightful Christmas Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds, perfect for holiday feasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Steam Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pilaf
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice (Basmati or Jasmine) Rinsed
  • 2 cups Vegetable or chicken broth Alcohol-free versions recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Can substitute with extra olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Or any neutral oil
  • 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Sliced almonds Can substitute with pumpkin seeds for nut-free option
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves Can substitute with dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh rosemary (very finely chopped) Optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Adjust according to taste
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup Golden raisins or dried cranberries For sweetness and color
  • 1 cup Green peas Boosts nutrition
  • 1 tablespoon Orange zest Enhances flavor

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold running water until water runs clear. Drain.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely diced onion for about 4 minutes.
  3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring well to toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
  5. Pour in 2 cups of broth, add salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, and the chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  7. After simmering, remove from heat and let it steam for an additional 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, fold in 1/2 cup of toasted almonds, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize with seasonal veggies or fruits for extra flavor and color. Perfect for holiday gatherings.

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