Danish-inspired Red Rice Delight

Ingredients

In this Danish adaptation of Charleston Red Rice, we incorporate Danish culinary elements to create a unique fusion dish. The original South American recipe is traditionally prepared with ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. In our Danish-inspired version, we substitute the tomatoes with tangy lingonberries, the bell peppers with pickled cucumbers, and the spices with a blend of dill, caraway seeds, and nutmeg. These changes infuse the dish with a distinct Nordic flavor profile while still maintaining the essence of the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Charleston Red Rice, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) red rice 2 cups (400g) red rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) pickled cucumbers, diced 1 cup (150g) pickled cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup (150g) lingonberries 1 cup (150g) lingonberries
• 1 teaspoon dill 1 teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the red rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 30 minutes or until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. 5.
   Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add the diced pickled cucumbers, lingonberries, dill, caraway seeds, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lingonberries — If fresh lingonberries are not available, you can use frozen lingonberries or lingonberry jam as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Pickled cucumbers — Look for Danish-style pickled cucumbers, also known as "syltede agurker," for an authentic Danish flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of vegan butter or olive oil before serving.
• Serve the Danish-inspired red rice as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. Add more dill for a stronger herbal flavor or increase the nutmeg for a hint of warmth.

Serving advice

Garnish the Danish-inspired red rice with fresh dill sprigs and lingonberries for an elegant presentation. Serve it alongside traditional Danish dishes like frikadeller (Danish meatballs) or flæskesteg (roast pork) for a truly authentic Danish meal experience.

Presentation advice

Serve the Danish-inspired red rice in a shallow bowl or on a plate, allowing the vibrant red color of the rice to take center stage. Arrange the pickled cucumbers and lingonberries on top for a pop of contrasting colors. Sprinkle some freshly chopped dill over the dish to add a touch of freshness.