Fruit 'N Nut Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Royal brown Basmati Rice
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 cups celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh sweet cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped scallions/chives
  • 3/4 cup unsalted mixed nuts
  • 1 can reduced-sodium broth (Chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon saffron, finely crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons honey

Directions:

  1. Combine rice, water, broth, curry powder, turmeric and saffron in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir mixture and then cover with a tight lid, reduce heat and let simmer until liquid is absorbed (which should take about 30 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat and let stand, covered.
  3. Combine oil, lemon juice, honey, orange zest, ginger and salt in a large bowl. Stir in cooked rice, celery, dried cherries and scallions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 3 days.
  4. When ready to serve, add fresh cherries and mixed nuts into rice mixture.
  5. Enjoy!