Rice Casserole with Pine Nuts and Tomatoes

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Servings: 6 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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A hearty, one-pot Mediterranean-style bake featuring savory brown rice, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts.
Rice Casserole W/Pine Nuts~ Tomatoes recipe image
Rice Casserole W/Pine Nuts~ Tomatoes recipe image
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Rice Casserole with Pine Nuts and Tomatoes

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 servings Calories: 250

Description

This comforting Rice Casserole with Pine Nuts and Tomatoes is the ultimate weeknight comfort food with a healthy twist. Using long-grain brown rice, this dish cooks slowly in the oven, absorbing the rich flavors of sautéed onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. The addition of currants or raisins provides a subtle sweetness that balances the earthy paprika and garlic, while toasted pine nuts add a luxurious crunch on top. It is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it a perfect option for diverse dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Lightly oil an 8- by 10-inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chopped onion, bell pepper squares, chopped carrot, celery pieces, and minced garlic.
  5. Sauté vegetables for 6 minutes until they begin to soften.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley, brown sugar, paprika, salt, bay leaves, and brown rice to the skillet.
  7. Cook and stir for 1 minute to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
  8. Stir in sliced tomatoes, water, and currants or raisins.
  9. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  10. Transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish.
  11. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  13. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
  14. Discard bay leaves.
  15. Toss the casserole gently with toasted pine nuts (or almonds) and the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley.
  16. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Sodium 500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 8g
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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