Brown Rice Pilaf With Sage And Walnuts

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium celery stalks, ends trimmed and chopped
• 2 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth, reduced sodium, fat-free
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon dried apricots, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste, optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste, optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
• fresh sage, chopped (for garnish)

Method

1. 1 Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat and sauté onion and celery until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Add brown rice and sauté for 5 minutes. Add water, broth, raisins, and apricots; bring to a boil.
3. 3 Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 50 minutes.
4. 4 Stir in dried sage and walnuts if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5 Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh chopped sage, and serve immediately.