Rice Apple and Raisin Dressing

Elevate your holiday meals or weeknight dinners with this irresistible Rice Apple and Raisin Dressing, a delightful twist on classic stuffing! This flavorful side dish combines fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain rice with the natural sweetness of diced Granny Smith apple and plump raisins, balanced by the warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and earthy thyme. A medley of vegetables—softened onions, crisp celery, and fragrant garlic—adds depth, while chopped pecans or walnuts bring a satisfying crunch to every bite. Finished with fresh parsley for brightness, this dish is cooked in vegetable broth and enriched with unsalted butter for a rich, savory undertone. Perfect as a stunning accompaniment to roasted meats or as a vegetarian side, this unique rice-based dressing is a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors, guaranteed to impress your guests. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a versatile, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread stuffing!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 finely diced celery stalks
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, peeled, cored, and diced apple (Granny Smith or similar tart variety)
• 0.5 cups raisins
• 0.5 cups, roughly chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced apple to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.

Step 7

Stir the raisins, chopped nuts, dried thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently mix in the cooked rice, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 9

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and toss lightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1936.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1815.5

Total Fat 85.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 93mg	0%
Sodium 4458.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.6g	0%
Total Sugars 95.5g
Protein 34.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 489.5mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 3906.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.4%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 52.3%