Olive Raisin Rice Food

HERBED RICE WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Cook the rice as the label directs. Spread out on a baking sheet and let cool completely. Soak the raisins in the lemon juice in a cup, 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the rice with the chervil, basil, parsley, cilantro and carrot in a large bowl. Chop the pea shoots, reserving some whole for garnish, and add to the bowl. Drain the raisins, straining the lemon juice into a separate bowl. Add the vinegar, lemon zest, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste to the lemon juice. Whisk in the olive oil. Add to the rice mixture along with the raisins and toss. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the reserved pea shoots.
• Photograph by Jonny Valiant

MIDDLE EASTERN RAISIN RICE

Steps:

• Wash rice well. Place 2 cups rice in a rice maker (or pot), add 4 cups water, or enough water to just cover the rice with no grains sticking out.
• Add raisins, salt, cinnamon, saffron (optional) and then drizzle olive oil around in a circle over the rice mixture. Mix well with spoon so rice and ingredients are blended together. There should be enough cinnamon added to give off a strong scent of cinnamon. Adjust amount as needed.
• Cook rice in rice maker or pot and after rice is cooked, stir ingredients together one more time. Spoon onto large platter and serve with plain, nonfat yogurt.

RICE WITH FENNEL AND GOLDEN RAISINS

Steps:

• Cook onion and fennel with raisins, fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in oil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water and bring to a vigorous boil. Tightly cover and cook over low heat, undisturbed, until water is absorbed, about 22 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Remove lid and put a clean kitchen towel over pan, then replace lid. Let stand 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

RAISIN, RICE AND CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Measure mayonnaise into a medium bowl. Slowly add buttermilk, whisking until smooth. Whisk in vinegar and honey.
• Stir in rice, carrots, onion, raisins and sunflower seeds if using; mix well.
• Chill thoroughly, preferably at least 24 hours if possible.

RED BELL PEPPER, RAISIN AND OLIVE STUFFING

Steps:

• Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add next 5 ingredients. Sauté until onions are tender, about 6 minutes. Add raisins and olives; sauté 5 minutes. (Vegetable mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Combine vegetable mixture and bread cubes in large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Loosely fill main cavity with stuffing. Add enough broth to remaining stuffing to moisten lightly (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on amount of remaining stuffing). Generously butter glass baking dish. Spoon remaining stuffing into prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil, buttered side down. Bake stuffing in dish alongside turkey until heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is slightly crisp and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add enough broth to stuffing to moisten (about 3/4 to 1 cup). Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Cover with butter foil, buttered side down; bake until heated through, about 30 to 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is slightly crisp and golden, about 20 to 25 minutes longer.

RICE WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Add the olive oil to a saucepan, and then the onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until wilted. Add the rice, raisins and the pine nuts.
• Add the water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring; cover, and simmer for exactly 17 minutes.
• Add the butter, stir to fluff the rice, and blend well.

RICE WITH ALMONDS AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan. Add the onion, stir and cook until wilted. Add the rice, raisins, almonds, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Stir and blend well.
• Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 17 minutes or until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
• Stir in the butter and coriander and serve.

RICE PILAF WITH FRESH DILL, WALNUTS AND RAISINS

Steps:

• In a saute pan heat up 1 tablespoon olive oil. Saute the basmati rice in the oil for 5 minutes or until light golden brown; stirring constantly.
• Pour in the broth and add the salt. Cook covered over low heat for about 20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
• While the rice is cooking, lightly toast the walnuts then chop coarsely. Chop the dill.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the walnuts, dill, raisins, lemon zest, vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
• Serve hot.