Macadamia and Pineapple Rice Pilaf

LifeIsGood's Note:

Rice is one of the staple foods in Hawaii. This recipe makes ordinary rice exciting and flavorful. From A Taste of Hawaii cookbook. In a pinch, you could probably use any type of nut. I love that this rice cooks in the oven.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup raisins (either dark or golden)
• 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts, preferably unsalted, chopped
• 1 -2 sage leaf, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped (or more, if you love cilantro!)
• 1 cup pineapple, diced

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In an oven-proof and flame-proof casserole, set over medium heat, melt the butter and add the rice. Stir for a few seconds, until the butter coats the rice. Add the garlic and stir for a few seconds (not long enough for the rice to change color).
3. Add the red and yellow peppers and cook for a few seconds. Add the stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the raisins, nuts, sage and salt. Cover and place in the oven. Bake for about 18 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes. Add the chopped cilantro and pineapple. Season if necessary and serve.
5. Note: If you use salted macadamia nuts, you won't have to add the salt in the recipe.

Reviews

[CaliforniaJan]

Made for ZWT #7 and my team Witchin Kitchen. This is a wonderful Pilaf and I'm adding it to my Best of 2011 cookbook. Wonderful veggies and love the sweet hit of the pineapple. I used red and yellow peppers, brown raisins, and 1/2 c brown rice and reduced the white rice to 1 c, just to add a bit of fiber.

[**Jubes**]

This is a really great rice recipe and enjoyed by all of my family. Thanks for posting another great recipe LIG :D

[ChelseaW]

This was a great side dish, loved all the flavors. I had some complaints about the surprise crunch of the nuts, but I liked it. Next time I'll be more patient and chop them smaller.