Fruit and Nut Rice

This rice is eye-opening. It is a gift from God. It can change your life...

Okay maybe I am exaggerating but it is really, really good. I don't use a recipe, so each time is is differently delicious...I am providing a link to a "real" recipe but mine is not nearly that complicated (or authentic)...

This time I made it with left over brown rice- about 3 cups.
Cut up one small butternut squash from our garden, 1/4 an onion, 1 clove garlic.
Drizzle olive oil in pan, saute the veggies until tender, add rice and a tablespoon of butter. Stir until coated, add 1 cup of water (since it was day old rice to rehydrate it) put a lid on it.
Got down my Indian spice tray, Mother-in-Law gave it to me with a lot of spice packets from World Market. Consequently, I don't know which spice is which...I smell them and add as much as I like to the rice. A little of this and a little of that.
I chop dried apricots and throw them in with raisins, dried chopped dates, and coconut. I had about 1/4 c pine nuts left and added those to about 1/2 cup chopped pecans and toasted them in a pan (without oil) until golden, then added them to the pot. Stir, stir, add more water if too dry, more butter if needed.

Voila! Done.

I serve with yogurt (Greek or sometimes Dannon french vanilla) and mango chutney.

I also sauteed some chopped chicken on the side for my protein, didn't feel like making a big dish out of it.

Also, grab some Naan bread if you can find it- perfect with this dish and great for scooping a bite of chicken and yogurt and chutney into your mouth.

This is a warm meal for a cold night, let me know if you try it and how it comes out!