Thanksgiving planning begins with this easy flavorful butternut squash pilaf. The whole spices add many flavors to the rice and to the squash. The sweetish squash and the deep spices work beautifully together and make this a fabulous side to serve with any main dish. Cumin adds an earthy flavor, the cloves, cardamom and cinnamon add hints of sweet, scented pockets, the roasted pepper flakes add a light smokyness and Saffron infused water brings it all together. Use other squashes or veggies and spices that you have. Add in some dried fruit like dried cranberries and toasted pecans to make it more festive.

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I am planning up some Thanksgiving posts for next week. Last year’s menu (lentil Quinoa Loaf, Cornbread Stuffing, Spicy cranberry sauce, No Bake Pumpkin Pie) was made over 2 days and worked out really well. Let me know if there is anything you want me to tackle in the coming week.

In other news, My book made it to the semi-finals on the Good Reads Choice Awards Best books 2015! Second round of voting here. <3 !





Pictured above, served with Breaded Crispy tofu Strips, Recipe here.

More Rice and other sides from the blog

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