Toasted almond rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to please any palate. Made with long-grain rice, toasted slivered almonds, and fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, this dish is a great source of protein and healthy fats. The toasting of the almonds adds a nutty and crunchy texture, which pairs perfectly with the tender rice.
This dish is perfect as a side to your favorite protein or as a base for a vegetarian meal.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish or want to add some variety to your meal rotation, toasted almond rice is a great choice. So why not try this delectable rice dish today and enjoy its delicious and satisfying flavors?
This toasted almond rice recipe is aromatic rice with the crunch and toasty flavor of the almonds. A light garlic flavor you get from the olive oil.
Meet my go-to side dish for just about everything. I recently updated my Broiled Tilapia Parmesan recipes since over the years I’ve played around and changed a few ingredients and decided it was time for that post to get a makeover.
Since the toasted almond rice was also dinner, I wanted to share this quick and easy toasted almond rice side dish that I always make to go with it. This rice recipe only calls for a few ingredients but it tastes amazing! Both the rice and almonds are pan-toasted, plus the oh-so-flavorful garlic-infused olive oil bumps up the flavor factor.
Page Contents
Toasted Almond Rice Fixings
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups basmati rice, I’m using brown basmati
Kosher salt, to taste
2/3 cup sliced almonds
2 teaspoons garlic-infused olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Method
Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add in the rice. Stir occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Transfer toasted rice to your rice cooker.
Season with a few pinches of kosher salt and add water and cook according to the instructions that came with your rice cooker. Note that my rice cooker comes with a specific measuring cup for grains and water specifications so if you’re not using a rice cooker, it’s about 1-3/4 cup of water per 1 cup of basmati rice (or about 2-1/2 cups water total for this recipe).
While the rice is cooking, toast the almond slices in the same skillet until fragrant and golden. Remove the heat and set aside. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl. Add the almonds and garlic olive oil and season with more salt if needed.
Toss and garnish with finely chopped parsley.
Toasted Almond Rice Benefits
Toasted Almond Rice Reduce Cholesterol
According to a recent study by the American Dietetic Association, consuming almonds were proven to increase your levels of Vitamin E in your red blood cells and also reduce your risks of having cholesterol.
By boosting the levels of vitamin E in your bloodstream antioxidants are formed that prevent your cells from clogging and developing cholesterol.
Thus consuming a handful of almonds daily can generate more vitamin E into your bloodstream and this can also save you from the risk of developing cholesterol. I have also written an article on Revitalize Your Palate With The Best Quinoa Chickpea Salad.
Almonds are Good for Your Heart
When almonds are consumed along with some other nuts, it is said that it is good for your heart. Well, according to a study published in 2014, researchers found that samples in the study who consumed almonds had more antioxidants in their bloodstream and this helped in reducing blood pressure and improved the flow of blood to various parts of the body.
Also, the research concluded by stating that Mediterranean diets that had a lot of nuts in their foods had more health benefits.
Toasted Almond Rice Regulate Blood Sugar
Consuming almonds is said to regulate blood sugar levels and stabilize them. This is because almonds have magnesium in them and it is advised that you consume a handful of almonds daily.
However, for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, almonds play an integral role in stabilizing it. So what happens if a diabetic person consumes almonds?
The answer is, the person would develop insulin resistance which is great for people suffering from diabetes and this is because of the content of magnesium in the nut.
Toasted Almond Rice has High Vitamin E
Almonds are said to contain higher levels of Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that protects your cells from getting toxic. With higher amounts of vitamin E being pumped into your bloodstream, this reduces your risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease.
Make sure that your intake of vitamin E is moderated because excessive intake of vitamin E can lead to prostate cancer. Make sure you consume how much is needed and do not do it in excess. You can get more from this video.
Toasted Almond Rice Reduce Weight
Almonds have higher contents of protein and fiber and lower levels of carbohydrates that curbs your appetite and do not keep you craving for long. This also helps in reducing the number of calories daily.
When almonds tend to curb your appetite, this means that you can control what you intake and this helps in regulating your weight.
Toasted Almond Rice Prevent Cancer
Almonds have certain amounts of fiber present in them that helps in detoxifying the body. Consuming almonds help food to move through the digestive system more easily.
Almonds have high fiber in them and this reduces your risk of developing colon cancer. It also has loads of vitamin E and flavonoids that regulate breast cancer.
Almonds Improve Your Brain Power
Almonds contain L-carnitine and riboflavin which helps in the growth of brain cells. One major chemical that helps the brain in cognitive function is phenylalanine and almonds do have this chemical in them.
Consuming just five pieces of almonds every morning can help you boost your brainpower.
Toasted Almond Rice is Best for Treating Anaemia
Anaemia is usually caused when red blood cells carry very less oxygen to the brain. Thus, almonds contain copper, iron, and vitamins that help in producing more hemoglobin and as a result, almonds can be used to prevent anemia.
Conclusion
Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below.Â
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the slivered almonds on a baking sheet in a single, even layer. Use parchment paper to help with cleanup and avoid sticking. Bake for five to eight minutes.
Raw nuts contain fewer calories and less sodium but tend to be less digestible. Roasted nuts are more flavorful and digestible, but tend to have a higher salt content. Both raw and roasted nuts have a high-fat content.
After my first taste, I realized that soaking was indeed the secret to making the best-roasted almonds. The flavor is more pronounced, although I’m not sure why this is exactly.