Almond and currant rice salad

Discover a delightful Almond and Currant Rice Salad featuring nutty brown rice, toasted almonds, and sweet currants, tossed with fresh basil and seasoned with a vibrant blend of ground cumin, cinnamon, and a tangy orange vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy meal or side dish!

  • 28 Jul 2024
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Almond and currant rice salad

Almond and currant rice salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice, the nutty crunch of almonds, and the sweet tang of currants. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon and dressed with a refreshing blend of orange juice, olive oil, and vinegar, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's an excellent choice for a healthy side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients:

1 cup brown rice
230g
3 shallots
150g
1/3 cup almonds
40g
1/2 cup currants
80g
1/2 cup basil leaves
3.50g
1 tsp ground cumin
3g
1 tsp cinnamon
3g
1/3 cup orange juice
72g
1/2 cup olive oil
120g
1 tsp vinegar
5g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water.
- Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Shallots and Almonds:
- While the rice is cooking, finely slice the 3 shallots.
- Heat a small frying pan over medium heat.
- Toast the 1/3 cup almonds in the frying pan, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to let them burn.
- Set the toasted almonds aside to cool.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 1 tsp vinegar.
- Whisk until all ingredients are well mixed and emulsified.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rice, sliced shallots, toasted almonds, and 1/2 cup currants.
- Add 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn into smaller pieces.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture.
5. Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss everything together until the rice salad is well mixed and all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter.

Tips:

- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and to achieve a fluffier texture.

- To enhance the flavor of almonds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and aromatic.

- Allow the rice to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the basil leaves from wilting and to maintain the crunchiness of the almonds.

- Adjust the seasoning and dressing according to your taste preferences. You can add more orange juice for sweetness or additional vinegar for a tangier flavor.

- For an added burst of freshness, garnish the salad with extra chopped basil leaves just before serving.

This Almond and currant rice salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of brown rice, almonds, currants, basil, and a zesty dressing makes for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you're serving it as a side at a family gathering or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its unique and delightful taste.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size120 grams
Energy
Calories 240kcal9%
Protein
Protein 5g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 44g13%
Fiber 3.63g10%
Sugar 11g11%
Fat
Fat 24g29%
Saturated 3.31g11%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 2.72ug0%
Choline 16mg3%
Vitamin B1 0.27mg22%
Vitamin B2 0.14mg11%
Vitamin B3 3.01mg19%
Vitamin B6 0.27mg16%
Vitamin B9 22ug5%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 7mg7%
Vitamin E 2.00mg13%
Vitamin K 3.37ug3%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 50mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.25mg0%
Iron, Fe 1.46mg13%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg17%
Phosphorus, P 180mg14%
Potassium, K 330mg10%
Selenium, Se 7ug13%
Sodium, Na 9mg1%
Zinc, Zn 1.16mg11%
Water
Water 44g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Green beans with olive oil

An easy-to-make vegetarian side that’s perfect for any meal.

10 Aug 2024

Grain-free tabbouleh salad with parsley, onion, tomatoes, lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper

Bursting with flavors, this healthy and refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion.

17 Aug 2024

Barley, blueberry and watercress salad

Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

01 Aug 2024

Tomato greek salad with pan-fried fetta

Ready in minutes, this recipe is ideal for a refreshing lunch or a delicious side dish.

06 Jul 2024

String bean & arugula salad with garlic & lemon

Perfect for a light lunch or dinner side dish.

11 Aug 2024

Salmon with rocket & lentils

Easy to make and perfect for a nutritious dinner.

11 Jun 2024

Brown lentil and vegetable soup

Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 30 mins.

10 Aug 2024

Spinach and apple salad

Ideal for a healthy meal or side dish.

04 Aug 2024

Citrusy avocado salad with tomatoes and onion

Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a vibrant side dish.

13 Sep 2024

Marinated eggplant

Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this marinated eggplant will become a staple in your kitchen.

12 Jul 2024

White bean & artichoke toast with basil, lemon and spinach

Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or snack.

11 Jul 2024

Honey pistachio couscous

A hint of sweet honey and savory olives brings this vibrant, nutritious dish to life—perfect for any meal.

29 Jun 2024

Feta and lemon stuffed chicken breasts with mash

Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, it's a meal that promises comfort and gourmet taste in every bite.

27 Aug 2024

Oven-roasted balsamic tomatoes

Easy to make and bursting with aroma and taste.

29 Aug 2024

Cucumber, mint & feta salad

Rejuvenate your taste buds with this easy-to-make, Mediterranean-inspired salad that's ideal for warm weather dining.

05 Sep 2024

Paleo broccoli slaw with avocado, garlic and coconut milk

Perfect for a healthy, dairy-free meal.

11 Aug 2024

Lamb and mint burgers

Try out this simple yet flavorful recipe for your next meal.

01 Aug 2024

Spinach, basil and cashew dip

Perfect for entertaining or a healthy snack, this versatile dip pairs beautifully with veggies, crackers, and more.

18 Aug 2024

Couscous-stuffed eggplant

Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal.

11 Jun 2024

Green salad with mustard vinaigrette

Ready in minutes, this healthy and delicious recipe is perfect for any meal.

15 Aug 2024

Lemon and garlic chicken kebabs

Perfectly grilled and served with warm pita bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is a delightful and healthy meal for any occasion.

15 Jun 2024

Warm carrot salad

Drizzled with a savory dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon, this nutritious salad is perfect for any meal.

23 Jul 2024

Chickpea hummus sandwiches with celery, pickles and peppers

Perfect for a nutritious lunch or quick snack on whole-wheat bread.

22 Aug 2024