Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mushroom & Almond Pilaf?
It is an aromatic side dish made with rice, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and roasted almonds, baked in beef consomme.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 200 calories in each serving.
How long does it take to bake?
The pilaf needs to bake for 1 hour in a preheated oven.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef consomme with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked rice, and the description notes it works well with both white and brown rice.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, the rice should be rinsed before use.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this pilaf?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
Each serving provides 4.5g of protein.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
Use one can of sliced mushrooms, drain them but retain the liquid for the baking dish.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped and sautéed in margarine until translucent.
What is the role of aluminum foil in this recipe?
Covering the dish tightly with foil prevents moisture loss during the hour-long baking process.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup of margarine with butter if preferred.
What liquid is used for cooking the rice?
The cooking liquid consists of beef consomme soup, 3/4 cup of water, and the liquid from the canned mushrooms.
Should the beef consomme be diluted?
No, use the beef consomme soup undiluted.
What texture can I expect from the almonds?
The roasted almonds provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender rice.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
How much pepper is recommended?
1/8 teaspoon of pepper is recommended, or adjust to your preference.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish features earthy flavors from mushrooms and onions combined with a savory beef base.
How should I finish the dish after baking?
Remove it from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Is this a good side dish for meat?
Yes, it is designed to elevate meat entrées and pairs well with grilled meats.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including seasonings.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
While the recipe specifies canned mushrooms, you could use fresh, though you may need to add a bit more liquid since you won't have the canned mushroom juice.
What size onion is required?
One small onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no sugar content.
How do I know the pilaf is done?
The pilaf is done when the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is categorized as a rice dish, pilaf, or side dish.