Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of combining cranberries and oranges in a rice dish! The bright, zesty flavor of oranges pairs so beautifully with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, creating a symphony of tastes that’s just irresistible. Whenever I make my Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf, it feels like a celebration, even on a regular Tuesday night! This dish is so versatile—it’s perfect alongside grilled chicken, savory fish, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight. Seriously, it’s like a little flavor party on your plate! Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a go-to side for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your meal rotation all the time!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup long-grain rice – I love using basmati for its fluffy texture, but any long-grain variety works great!
2 cups vegetable broth – This adds a depth of flavor, but feel free to use water if you’re in a pinch.
1/2 cup dried cranberries – These little jewels bring sweetness and a chewy texture that’s just delightful.
1 orange, zested and juiced – The zest is where the magic happens, giving the dish that vibrant citrus kick!
1 small onion, chopped – Adds a savory base that complements the sweet cranberries and oranges.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Salt to taste – Just a pinch to enhance all those bright flavors.
Pepper to taste – A bit of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch of warmth.

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with such a fantastic aroma. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful side dish in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab a pot and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it to shimmer but not smoke—about 1-2 minutes should do the trick!
Next, toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Trust me, this is the start of something delicious!
Now, add in 1 cup of long-grain rice and stir it around for about 2 minutes. This helps to toast the rice a little and brings out its nutty flavor.
Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth along with the juice and zest of 1 orange. Don’t forget those lovely dried cranberries! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it all a good stir.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer away for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and has absorbed all that wonderful liquid.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This step helps the rice to fluff up even more!
Finally, grab a fork and fluff the rice gently before serving. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition! My *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf* is not just delicious, it’s also pretty wholesome! Each serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to have around 220 calories, 5g of fat, and 4g of protein. With 40g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber, it makes for a satisfying side dish that won’t weigh you down. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Flavorful: The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that’s so refreshing and uplifting!
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Healthy Side Dish: It’s vegetarian and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great addition to any meal.
Versatile: This pilaf pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, enhancing your entire meal!
Make Ahead: It stores well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy the flavors later.

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf* turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way. First, make sure your rice is rinsed before cooking! This helps remove excess starch and keeps it from becoming gummy. Second, keep an eye on the heat while sautéing the onions; you want them soft and fragrant, but not browned. If you’re using fresh cranberries, be prepared for a more tart flavor, which can be a delightful twist! And don’t skip the resting time after cooking—this is crucial for fluffy rice. Finally, feel free to taste and adjust your salt and pepper! A little tweak can make all the difference. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about my *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf* is how easy it is to customize! If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:

Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some toasted pecans or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy cranberries.
Herbs Galore: Add in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to elevate the flavor profile. Just chop them finely and stir them in right before serving!
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while sautéing the onions.
Other Fruits: Experiment with adding chopped apples or pears for a different fruity twist. They pair beautifully with the cranberries and orange!
Quinoa Substitute: For a protein boost, try swapping the rice for quinoa. It’s a fantastic gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor.

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing my *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf*! It’s such a versatile side that goes beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted turkey—trust me, the citrus notes complement the savory meat perfectly. If you’re feeling seafood vibes, try it with baked salmon or lemon herb tilapia for a light and refreshing combo. And if you want to keep it vegetarian, it’s fantastic with stuffed bell peppers or a hearty vegetable stir-fry. You can even top it with some feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor! Enjoy experimenting with your favorite mains!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your *Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf* is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep or leftovers! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in a couple of ways. For the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Enjoy that deliciousness again!

Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf: 5 Steps to Flavor Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful side dish combining rice, cranberries, and oranges.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add rice and stir for 2 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth, orange juice, cranberries, and zest.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Cook for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Fluff with a fork before serving.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor.
Pair with grilled meats or fish.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Rice Pilaf, Rice Pilaf, Side Dish

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