Holiday Christmas Rice “Wreath”

by Mackenzie Burgess, RDN | Aug 15, 2024

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This Holiday Christmas Rice Wreath recipe is the perfect side to bring some festive flair to your holiday table. It contains fluffy rice as the base, topped with colorful “ornaments” like roasted sweet potatoes, pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and cilantro. Plus, you get to customize it with your choice of sauce on top.

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Why you’ll love it

You all know, I love a good studded rice recipe. Exhibit A: My T-Swift inspired “Bejeweled” Rice! This recipe is the perfect combo of sweet and savory. Here’s why you’ll come back to it year after year.

Festive Presentation: With its vibrant colors and festive design, this rice wreath is a showstopper at any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday gathering.
Quick and Easy: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for the busy holiday season.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds, this dish offers both flavor and health benefits.

Christmas rice with sweet potatoes, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds.

Why is this christmas side dish healthy?

This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that are both tasty and nutritious. Rice always gets a bad rep for some reason, but in reality it’s filled with over 15 vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Sweet potatoes, known for their high fiber content, are also rich in vitamins A and C, helping support immune function and overall health.

Pistachios are loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health and satiety.

Finally, pomegranate seeds bring a burst of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for skin health and immune defense for the cold winter months.

So all in all, this holiday christmas rice side dish is definitely a healthy one to make!

Ingredients you’ll need

Rice: I try to buy U.S.-grown varieties when possible such as Lundberg Family Farms or 4Sisters. You can also look for a “Grown in the USA” logo on the package.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: I like to save time by buying frozen roasted sweet potatoes like these ones. Otherwise you can make your own by dicing and roasting sweet potatoes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Pistachios: Go for roasted and salted or light salted varieties. We like to buy pre-shelled pistachios to save time.
Pomegranate Seeds: You can buy whole pomegranates and get the seeds out yourself. Otherwise, you can buy ready-to-go pomegranates seeds (also called arils) in the refrigerated produce section.
Chopped Cilantro: This adds bright, earthy flavor. Substitute with parsley if cilantro isn’t your thing.
Sauces: This dish isn’t complete without a bit of creamy sauce. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses for tanginess, tahini for creaminess, or infused olive oil or melted butter for luscious flavor.

How to make this christmas rice

Cook the Rice: Start by bringing 6 cups of water or broth to a boil in a large pot. Add 3 cups of rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy.
Form the Wreath: Spread the cooked rice in a large dip serving platter, shaping it into the wreath.
Top the Wreath: Evenly distribute the roasted sweet potato cubes, followed by the pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro around the rice wreath.
Add the Sauce: Drizzle your choice of sauce on top and serve!

Recipe tips and tricks

Serving Tips: Pair this christmas rice wreath with a holiday protein like roasted turkey or glazed ham. A fresh salad or roasted broccoli on the side would also be a great way to add some greens.
Troubleshooting Tips: If your rice turns out too sticky, try fluffing it with a fork and letting it sit uncovered for a few minutes to release excess moisture.
Scaling Tips: This recipe feeds a crowd, but if you’re hoping to make a smaller amount, simply divide the ingredients in half.

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, this Holiday Christmas Rice Wreath is completely customizable. You get to choose what rice and finishing sauce you want to use:

Rice of your choice: While Jasmine rice provides a fragrant and fluffy base, you can easily substitute it with other varieties like Basmati for a more nutty flavor. If you use brown rice, you’ll need to cook it for closer to 40-50 minutes. Although we haven’t tested it, you could probably even sub white rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Sauce of your choice: The finishing sauce can be tailored to your taste preferences as well. Pomegranate molasses adds a bit of tangy sweetness and more festive color. For a creamier texture, tahini sauce brings a rich, nutty flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, an olive oil or butter infused with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a subtle, aromatic finish.

You could also switch up the nuts in this recipe and use slivered almonds or pecans if you prefer. Also, if cilantro isn’t your thing, omit it or try fresh parsley instead.

Can I make this christmas rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Cook the rice and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat the rice then assemble the wreath just before serving to ensure the freshest taste and best presentation.

How do I store leftovers?

Although this dish is best enjoyed right away, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice if needed.

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

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