Curried Rice Pilaf
Rice is one of my all time favorite side dishes. It’s super easy to make and with all the different ways to prepare it, you could have rice every night and never have the same side twice. I usually like it steamed with a little rice vinegar mixed in, but every so often, I’ll cook it on the stove with different herbs and spices. Adding flavors like curry and onions or butter and garlic, turn basic rice into a wonderful side dish to compliment whatever main course you make from chicken to fish.
But rice isn’t just a delicious side, it’s also seriously healthy. Did you know rice is enjoyed by over half the world from India to Japan? The reason so many countries enjoy it is because of its long list of health benefits. It’s packed with several vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium, fiber, and iron which can help increase one’s metabolism as well as boost the immune system. It reduces the chances of Alzheimer’s and cancer as well as helping those suffering from hypertension.
While I love it with just a little salt and pepper, my favorite version usually includes fruit. Adding a little fruit gives the dish a nice sweet flavor that rounds out the whole dish. This version not only uses golden raisins, it uses curry powder as well so there’s a little spice to go with your sweet, which makes it the ideal compliment to a roast chicken or grilled fish.
So, if you’re looking for a grain to go with your veg or are just sick of making potatoes and salads, whip up this curried rice. It’s so simple, you could even have it for dinner this week.
Curried Rice Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 2 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion, curry powder and garlic and cook until tender.
- Stir in the rice, raisins and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
