Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf
In fall we crave side dishes that are warm and hearty. Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf is a side dish that does not only taste great, it’s also healthy.
This dish would be perfect to serve as a side dish for any fall meal including Thanksgiving.
Butternut squash, almonds and dried cranberries mixed with brown rice cooked with garlic, onion, and spices make a flavorful combination.
The brown rice is cooked in chicken broth but vegetable broth can be substituted to make this dish vegetarian.
If you don’t like brown rice, white rice could be substituted.
Butternut squash, almonds and dried cranberries mixed with brown rice cooked with garlic, onion, and spices makes a flavorful combination. This dish is a perfect side for a fall meal or for Thanksgiving. In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 2 minutes until soft. Add almonds and cook 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Add rice, cumin, and oregano and stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 30 minutes. Add squash. Continue cooking for 15 - 20 minutes or until rice is completely cooked and squash is tender. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and cranberries. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
Instructions
I made a double recipe of this dish and it made so much that it wouldn’t all fit into the serving bowl.
We don’t mind leftovers, so when I cook, I like to make a lot at one time.
Doubling the recipe did mean that the rice and squash both took longer to cook than the recipe below states. If you double the recipe, you may also find that you need an extra cup of chicken broth.
The first time I had this dish was when my mom served it on Thanksgiving in 2005. It’s different from traditional Thanksgiving sides and it looks great a serving dish with orange chunks of butternut squash, burgundy dried cranberries, and a hint of green from the chopped parsley.
If you are looking for a healthy side dish to serve this fall or for Thanksgiving, give Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf a try.
Pin it!
Ok so this is 100% allergy friendly and safe for me! I am totally making this, Like tomorrow for lunch! Yum! Pinning to my allergy friendly recipes and holiday recipes boards!
Thanks for sharing at TFT! Have a great weekend!
Ohhhh thanks I really fancy making this. It’s just my kind of comfort food. I’ll print it out now and PIN for later too xx
We love butternut squash and to pair it with the rice is great, it looks delicious! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
The Butternut squash rice pilaf side looks yummy! And i love the other ideas as well. I think I want to try the carrots with the anchovy sauce. I know my husband would love them both! I may have to use the anchovy paste in a tube as being in smaller community you don’t get all the selections of a city.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Positive thoughts!
I like using the anchovy paste in a tube but haven’t thought to do so in a while. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Yum – I love squash, especially with cranberries! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much, Amy! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.
My huband will love this dish. He loves butternut squash
Thank you so much, Linda!
Looks amazing. I love how healthy this is too! I’d definitely make this dish for Thanksgiving OR Christmas!
Thank you so much, Stacey!
Oh my word does this sound and look great. I’m going to make thius when family comes for a gathering in early December. Great timing!
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Perfect food for the PNW, comforting! thank you for sharing it!
Thank you so much, Melba!
This looks perfect for my Thanksgiving meal this year! I already have roasted/frozen butternut squash in my freezer – this will be a good use of it. Thanks Paula, pinned 😊
This looks amazing! A must try!
Thank you so much, Marieza!
This looks amazing! Perfect side dish to serve with Turkey. Headed to the grocery today! Thank you.
I hope you enjoy!
What a great take on a Thanksgiving side dish. Pinned and will try it this year!
Thank you so much, Libbie!
I would eat this as the main meal with a large side salad. Great recipe!
Thank you for sharing at the Friday with Friends link party
Happy Thanksgiving!
RR
Same here! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.