Black Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries

It is a JOY to have Robyn Webb as our special guest on Divas In Aprons! Robyn has created numerous, MOUTH-WATERING published recipes that teach people with diabetes that it is POSSIBLE to eat healthy, nutritious foods. The recipes that Robyn creates isn’t just for diabetics; they are for EVERYONE that desires good, scrumptious meals! Let’s welcome, once again, ROBYN WEBB!!

2 tsp olive oil, divided 

2 small shallots, minced
1 cup black rice, rinsed
2 1/2 cups low fat chicken or vegetable broth, divided
2 scallions, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup peeled and diced butternut squash (1/4 inch dice)
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup toasted pistachios
kosher or sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

1. Heat 1 tsp of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shallots and sauté  for 3 minutes. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 2 minutes. Add in 2 cups of the broth, bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. 

2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in the scallions and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add in the butternut squash and ginger. Sauté for 4 minutes. Add in the remaining ½ cup of broth, lower the heat, cover and simmer until squash is tender. Broth should be absorbed. Add the dried cherries and pistachios and mix well.

3. Combine the dried cherry mixture with the black rice. Season well with salt and pepper.

Photograph courtesy of Olga Berman.

Notes: This is not only a good side dish, but can be your entire meal. The only change I would make would be adding the nuts at the very end to each person’s individual plate in order to keep the crunch. This dish can be made vegetarian by using a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Robyn Webb, MS, LN, is an award-winning cookbook author, nutritionist, and the Food Editor of Diabetes Forecast® Magazine. She has written 16 cookbooks, including the American Diabetes Association bestseller Diabetic Meals in 30 Minutes—Or Less! She has numerous media credits, including Food Network, Martha Stewart Radio, Lifetime Television, Discovery Channel, CNN, CBS, ABC, ESPN, and many more. Her work has been highlighted in the Washington Post, Woman’s Day, USA Today, Fine Cooking, and many online health, fitness, and food websites and magazines.   Robyn’s website is www.RobynWebb.com, her popular blog with tips and recipes can be found at www.robynwebb.com/fabulousfoodfinds. She can be found on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/RobynWebb and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RobynWebbMS