Orange Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf

Rice, orange juice, dried cranberries and sliced almonds come together in this side dish. 

Have you ever went to get an ingredient for a recipe, but could not find it? You know you bought it but just can't find it. Well, that happened to me with this recipe. I could not find the sliced almonds, I looked high and low, but just could not find them. I guess it is time to reorganize the pantry. I try so hard to keep it organized, but it just never seems to stay organized.

Even though the almonds magically disappeared, I still made the recipe and it was delicious. The almonds would have added a nice crunch and when I make it again I will make sure they do not disappear and add them.

Orange Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 orange, zest
• 3/4 cup dried craisins
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups brown rice
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups orange juice
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and orange zest, stirring a few times. Then add in the dried craisins, 2 tablespoons orange juice, cinnamon and sugar. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often.
2. Add in the brown rice and a drizzle of olive oil, if the pan is dry. Cook stirring often until the rice smells nutty, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add in the chicken broth and orange juice and give it a quick stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice until all of the liquid has been absorbed and rice if fluffy, about 45 minutes.
4. While the rice is cooking, toast the almonds in a non stick skillet, over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until the almonds start to turn a golden color, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
5. Once the rice has cooked, fluff it with a fork and toss with with toasted almonds.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239
Total Fat		4g
Saturated Fat		1g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.6g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.6g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		3.8g
Sodium		17.5g
Potassium		141.4g
Total Carbohydrates		48g
Dietary Fiber		3.4g
Sugars		26.9g
Protein		3.9g
Vitamin A 3.15% Vitamin C 44.48%
Calcium 2.82% Iron 3.43%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Oh Sweet Basil.