As Christmas approaches people are gathering their thoughts on presents, decorations and meals. Sometimes we have the more traditional meal including: turkey, rolls, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and a plethora of dessert choices. We also switch it up sometimes by serving enchiladas, fried fish or an Italian meal.
This year it’s all about trying new items, but keeping them on the healthy side. As soon as Christmas is over people are coming up with weight loss solutions to shed the holiday pounds. I’m usually one of them fretting about how much I’ve gained from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Not this year.
For the holidays I’ve teamed up with California Raisins to bring you this healthy coconut rice with raisins, pomegranate and hazelnut. We tend to keep these all-natural raisins by the dozen on hand for a great afternoon snack. They are convenient, portable and a great addition to any meal. In this coconut rice recipe I used original and golden raisins. You can just use one for this dish, but I decided to add more color to make this dish pop.Â
According to the USDA, raisins are the most economical dried fruit out there.
People tend to forget that raisins go perfectly in recipes as well. You have raisin cookies, raisin bread, raisin rice pudding and now this side dish. All it takes is a little creativity to bring a great dish together.
ENJOY ~ Meagan
Cook rice and quinoa according to package instructions. Drain and set in a large bowl. Pour in the rest of the ingredients and stir until well coated.
*Best served warm
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For more information about all natural, no-sugar added California Raisins and for recipe inspiration, please visit www.loveyourraisins.com, or get social with them at www.facebook.com/californiaraisins, www.pinterest.com/calraisins, or www.twitter.com/caraisins.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for California Raisins through the Kitchen PLAY network. All opinions are 100% my own, and I appreciate you supporting the brands that I love.
So many fun goodies in this rice! Love it!
What a hearty looking bowl of rice! Throw some chicken on top and I would be a happy girl…yum!
What a great dish Megan! Everything is better with coconut!
I always forget to cook with raisins! Such a fun dish, friend!!
Coconut rice has got to be one of my fave! I love how you’ve done it!
This looks so healthy and delicious. And I love the addition of hazelnuts!
I am ALL over this dish! it’s SO pretty and I bet SO delicious
what a gorgeous & healthy side dish! i often forget how delicious raisins can be, thanks for the reminder.
Such a great combination of sweet and tart.
How pretty! I love flavorful rice dishes like this. The hazelnut is a really nice touch!
I love this combination of grains! And the added texture and sweetness from the raisins sounds incredible.
Love, Love, Love this dish!
You outdid yourself this time. What a wonderful way to dress up rice and make a unique side dish.
I’ve been so obsessed with raisins lately and LOVE them in rice. This would suit my cravings perfectly 🙂
What a simple dish full of texture and flavor! This looks so good. We love raisins, I’ll have to try this!
I’d be hard pressed deciding whether to eat this for breakfast, dinner or dessert! I think I’d probably opt for all three 🙂