Fresh Orange Rice

Cookgirl's Note:

Simple and basic-orange rice with no onion or garlic, no herbs. Depending on my menu, for a more pronounced flavor I will increase the amount of orange juice; or omit the zest, etc. (But I like orange, so I almost always add more.) From 1,000 Lowfat Recipes' cookbook.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 fresh oranges
• 2 cups jasmine rice (I also use basmati but plain white rice rarely)
• orange zest
• 3 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• orange slice , for garnish

Directions:

1. Remove the zest from the orange and measure out up to 2 tablespoons, if desired. Mince and set aside.
2. To garner the maximum amount of juice from your oranges, with a sharp knife pierce the oranges about 5-6 times and microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Juice the orange and measure out 3/4 cup; more or less according to your preference. You may need to juice another orange if two oranges don't yield enough juice. Remember that for 2 cups of rice you will need 4 cups of liquid (water/orange juice) in whatever ratio you choose.
4. Place the rice in a pan along with the water, salt and orange juice. NOTE: *Important to stir in the orange zest at the end of the cooking time. DO NOT add the zest in with the rice while it is cooking or the rice will turn bitter.
5. Cover pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove pan from stove; fluff rice with a fork and stir in the zest. Let stand covered for a few minutes then serve.
7. Garnish with orange slices if desired.

Reviews

[Mama Q]

I made this in a rice-cooker with excellent results. thank you.

[PanNan]

I followed the recipe exactly, and we loved the orange flavor of the rice. I served it with Asian food, and that worked very well. This will go in my favorites cookbook to make again and again.

[Kaarin]

An interesting change from white rice-we had this with grilled chicken, red onion and mint kebabs #133984. I made a half batch with basmati rice, using 1 cup orange juice and 1 cup water. The fresh citrusy taste was very refreshing. My kids and dh did not like it, but I did. I'm planning to make the leftovers into rice pudding which will be awesome! Thanks!