Red Rice Pilaf

Toasting the rice grains before adding the liquid will coax out extra aroma and a nutty flavour, making this recipe an excellent addition to a Thanksgiving feast.

1 Tbsp (15 mL) grapeseed oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger
1 cup (250 mL) Bhutan, Camargue, or other red rice
2 cups (500 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cranberries
1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh thyme
1 tsp (5 mL) orange zest
1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced pecans, preferably toasted
1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped parsley

In medium-sized saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and carrot; cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add celery, garlic, ginger, and rice; cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Add broth, cranberries, thyme, orange zest, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.

Gently fold in pecans and parsley.

Serves 4.

Each serving contains: 348 calories; 5 g protein; 14 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 56 g total carbohydrates (12 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 246 mg sodium

source: "Rice Is More Than Nice", alive #360, October 2012