Zesty Citrus and Ginger Rice Pilaf
Experience an exquisite blend of flavors with our Zesty Citrus and Ginger Rice Pilaf, inspired by a storied recipe once enjoyed by dinner guests at the opulent Whitehall in Palm Beach, Florida. This dish combines the sweet essences of orange and raisins with the warm, spicy undertones of ginger and red pepper. Enhanced further by nutty almonds and vibrant parsley, it's a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, capturing the essence of both sophistication and comfort.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
uncooked rice
1 1/3 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
raisins
3/4 cup (none)
red pepper flakes
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
gingerroot
1 inch piece (grated or finely minced)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, optional)
orange zest
1 tablespoon (grated)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized saucepan or small Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the rice to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the rice becomes lightly browned, taking care not to burn it.
3
Stir in the salt, raisins, red pepper flakes, and grated ginger.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and orange juice, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6
Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the optional fresh parsley, grated orange zest, and toasted almonds.
8
Serve warm as a delicious and aromatic side dish, pairing perfectly with your favorite main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical inspiration for this rice pilaf?
The recipe is inspired by a dish once enjoyed by dinner guests at the opulent Whitehall in Palm Beach, Florida.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What type of rice is used in the Zesty Citrus and Ginger Rice Pilaf?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked rice.
Why is the rice cooked in butter before adding liquid?
The rice is stirred in melted butter until lightly browned to enhance its flavor and texture.
What kind of ginger is required?
The recipe requires a 1-inch piece of gingerroot, which should be grated or finely minced.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What is the ratio of chicken broth to rice?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked rice.
How long should the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Is there a resting period after cooking?
Yes, after removing from heat, the pot should stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What garnishes are added at the end?
Freshly chopped parsley, grated orange zest, and toasted slivered almonds are folded in at the end.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the red pepper flakes between 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon based on your preference.
Are the raisins cooked with the rice?
Yes, the raisins are stirred in with the salt, red pepper flakes, and ginger before the liquids are added.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the parsley a mandatory ingredient?
No, the fresh parsley is optional.
How much orange zest should be used?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest.
What type of nuts are used in this pilaf?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds.
What equipment is best for cooking this rice?
A medium-sized saucepan or a small Dutch oven is recommended.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features sweet orange and raisins with warm ginger, spicy red pepper, and nutty almonds.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
How should the rice be fluffed?
The rice should be fluffed gently with a fork before folding in the final ingredients.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, the heat should be reduced to low for simmering.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Fruit and Side Dishes.
Can this be served as a main course?
While it is a versatile side dish, it captures enough sophistication to be the highlight of a meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is the gingerroot peeled?
The recipe specifies it should be grated or minced, which typically involves peeling first.
What amount of butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While the recipe specifies chicken broth, vegetable broth could be used as a substitute for a vegetarian version.
How do you prepare the orange juice?
The recipe recommends using freshly squeezed orange juice.
What happens if I burn the rice while browning?
The instructions advise taking care not to burn the rice, as it should only be lightly browned for the best flavor.
Is this a good dish for dinner parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a dinner party and comfort food dish due to its exquisite blend of flavors.