Autumn Rice, Two Ways

Rice is one of the most versatile of foods.  It takes on whatever flavors you are in the mood to add to it, and becomes a warm, steaming bowl of nourishment that really hits the spot on a cold evening.  In this post, I am sharing two autumn rice recipes, both similar in that they include diced butternut squash and walnuts, and different from each other in that one is a savory and one is subtly sweet. Both versions are full of flavor and comfort, and are great side dishes for an autumn meal.

In the savory version, the rice is first sautéed in minced garlic for a couple of minutes and then simmered in chicken broth, with the butternut squash cubes, walnuts and herbs added near the end.  The result is an aromatic blend of garlic and thyme mixed in with the tender rice and squash.

In the subtly sweet version, in addition to the butternut squash and walnuts, there are diced apples and a couple tablespoons of honey.  With the rice and the squash acting kind of like chameleons, the dish has a lightness and the flavor of the walnuts is more prominent.  I adapted this recipe from one I found in the wonderful cookbook 100 Best Vegetarian Recipes by Carol Gelles.

It is sometimes a challenge for me to use up all the squash I end up with.  These rice dishes are great for that.  Not only is the diced squash a pretty color to add to the rice, but it’s full of great vitamins and minerals, and it tastes great with all the other ingredients.  And it’s seasonal!  I tend to like the savory version best, but both are delicious and great side dishes.

So this week has been very cold and wet.  All those warm, dry weeks we had this summer and early fall–they are gone for now.  I found myself really needing to adjust to the grey skies and lack of sunshine this week. (I think it’s time to start taking the vitamin D supplements!)  But the colors in the trees continue to be stunning, and in some ways, the vibrant colors show up even more on cloudy, rainy days.  Somehow, all the drama from the dark clouds, gusty winds and gorgeous colors stir up my soul every autumn, and this autumn is no different.

As I was driving to pick up my son from school yesterday, I pulled over onto a dirt road to take some photos because the view was so pretty.  It was lightly raining, and a gust of wind sent the yellow leaves shimmering through the air.  Later in the afternoon, we bundled up and went out for a wet walk/bike ride.  It was not the most pleasant weather, but I felt so much better after getting outside in the fresh air, the scent of wet leaves and cool mist on my skin.

My heart goes out to everyone in New York City.  I have an old friend who lives very near where the attack occurred earlier this week.  I am so glad she and her family are safe, and also admire that as difficult as it is, she is refusing let fear define her.

On a lighter note, my daughter’s cross country team qualified to run in the state meet this weekend.  They have worked hard to get to this point, and l am really excited for them!

My sweet dog really wanted to be in on the photo shoot today.  I hope you all have a great weekend! I am sharing these recipes over at Fiesta Friday, the virtual potluck full of inspirational bloggers, co-hosted this week by Antonia @ Zoale.com and Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook.