Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish to elevate your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner? Look no further! This savory rice stuffing recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget dry, bland stuffing; this recipe delivers a moist and flavorful experience, thanks to the perfect balance of rice, herbs, and vegetables. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries (optional, adds sweetness and color)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of your stuffing, so don't rush it!
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Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. Toasting the rice enhances its flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Simmer the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in Herbs and Cranberries: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley and cranberries (if using). This step is best done after the rice is cooked to preserve the vibrancy of the herbs and cranberries.
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Serve: Your delicious rice stuffing is ready to serve! It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, poultry, or even as a vegetarian side dish.
Tips for the Best Rice Stuffing:
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will result in mushy stuffing. Follow the cooking time instructions closely.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables!
- Make it ahead: This stuffing can be made ahead of time and reheated. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Variations:
- Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby Stuffing: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or oregano.
- Cheesy Stuffing: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
This easy rice stuffing recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes you can easily create at home, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!