This low-sodium rice pilaf is an elevated side dish packed with amazing flavors and textures. It’s easy to make and beautiful to serve!
The benefits of low sodium rice pilaf:
If you’re watching your sodium levels but love rice, this recipe is for you. Rice pilaf can be really salty but it doesn’t have to be. Adding some other ingredients to give it flavor does the trick.
Rice is delicious on its own, it doesn’t need salt or spices. However, when it comes to a holiday or more festive occasion, you may want a nicer recipe. This one is perfect; it’ll go well with fish, chicken, or meat dishes.
A couple basics when it comes to rice:
- We used basmati rice in this recipe. It’s a long-grain, high-quality rice that always comes out delicious.
- Rinsing the rice with water before using it helps get rid of the extra starches in the rice which then makes the rice light and airy. You can use a mesh strainer to do this.
- Add double the amount of liquid to the amount of rice. If you like when your rice is a little stickier then use less liquid.
Can you bake this rice?
If you don’t want to make a pot dirty or you simply prefer baked rice, you can do that with this recipe. The only difference will be that instead of sautéing the onions first you’ll just add them to the rice and bake.
To bake this low sodium rice pilaf place the rice, onions, oil, water, and broth in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover with foil and bake on 375 for 35 minutes.
Once the rice has cooled off you can add the almonds, cranberries, and parsley. Fluff & serve!
Some ideas to try with this rice:
If you don’t like cranberries you can use raisins, dates, or apricots. The raisins can be kept whole but if you’re using dates or apricots just dice them up before adding them to the rice.
When it comes to the nuts, a variety of nuts will work. Try pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds.
What to serve with low sodium rice pilaf:
- This rice goes well with our flavorful chicken patties or soft and juicy top of the rib.
- Moroccan dishes like beef stew or braised beef.
- Anything on the grill like steak or chicken.
- Fish like salmon, flounder, or seabass.
Low Sodium Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3/4 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot and add the onions.
- Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and cook for around five minutes; mixing from time to time.
- Add the broth and water and bring to a boil.
- Lower the flame to the lowest setting and cook for around 20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Take the rice off the stove and place a towel between the pot and the cover. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a spoon and transfer it to a bowl or serving dish.
- Add the slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Mix well. (If you're making this in advance and plan to warm it up, leave the almonds, cranberries, and parsley out until right before serving).