A serving of Orange Zested Rice.

Orange Zested Rice

Our sweet orange zested rice is a flavorful side dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. This easy to make recipe delivers sweet hints of cinnamon and orange zest in every bite and is a delicious way to elevate your side dishes this holiday season!

This dish comes to us from our friend Gal of @somethingnutrititious in partnership with USA Rice.

  • Servings
    6
  • Prep Time
    10 min
  • Cook Time
    30 min
  • Total Time
    40 min

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups jasmine rice
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 3 carrots, peeled and grated
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds 
  • 3 tbsp orange zest
  • Handful of parsley
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter, dairy or vegan- or sub olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste 
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp turmeric 

Directions

  • Prepare your rice as instructed on the package. You can cook your rice in a pot or rice cooker, however you prefer. If cooking in a pot, I like to toast the rice in 1 tsp of olive oil on medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding in the water.
  • While that cooks, heat a skillet with butter on medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions begin to soften.
  • Add in the carrots and almonds and give everything a stir.
  • Mix in the spices and parsley and cook over a medium/low flame for another 5 minutes.
  • Once the rice is ready, combine everything together in the rice pot or a serving bowl and garnish with more parsley.