Scrumptious Sunday: Red Rice & Creamy Dill Salad

"Scrumptious Sunday
So good to me,
Scrumptious Sunday
It was all I hoped it could be."

Oh wait...the Mamas and the Papas were singing that song about Monday right? And they didn't sing that song about a dinner did they? Hmmmm....

Well, maybe I'll just sing this dinner's praises instead and leave that iconic song intact.

Do you have a Sunday supper tradition in your family? I know growing up, we didn't have a traditional Sunday supper per se, but we did have our own little things which made us unique.

It was only when I was in my early 30's I experienced Sunday suppers after church during a couple of long term, serious relationships. I enjoyed lingering over a big meal, which was full of laughter, family dramas, and catching up on current events. Then, I REALLY enjoyed the sounds of the post meal tradition---the Sunday afternoon naps!

And while it's just me these days (I'm no longer with these guys), I still love the tradition. And replicate it for myself whenever I'm off work.
​

I had a wonderful meal last week which required a bit more time and culinary steps, but was perfect for lingering over the Sunday paper and perusing the ads. It still was only a one pot meal, which made for easy clean up!

Does anyone else love to read the Sunday paper in it's entirety? During the week, I only check sports scores, horoscopes, and the daily weather report. But, on Sundays, seems all of the sections have interesting articles, and eye catching ads. And I love to look at them all...even things I know I'd not usually be interested in purchasing.

This combination of sweet, salty, nutty, and dill-y was so delicious. It just really made me swoon.

And I don't swoon over a lot these days. Except waffles on Wednesday. And Miranda Lambert. And When Calls the Heart. And brainstorming recipes with friends. And the used book store. And puppy butts. And babies. And yoga. And coconut yogurt. And penguins. And Taylor Swift. And Jackson's Honest purple heirloom potato chips (seriously, have you had those???). And The Nutcracker. And hoodie sweatshirts. And winter beanies. Lots and lots of winter beanies.

But that's it. I'm a simple gal. Not much to me. ;)

How I got the raisins so plump and juicy is because I actually let them soak in boiling water for the entire time the rice was cooking (who knew that trick? I didn't until now.)

The pine nuts can be toasted in a skillet prior to adding them, but I was super hungry and I just couldn't wait any longer.

You can substitute any rice in here you'd prefer. I've seen black rice, red rice (what I used here), pink rice, and even jade rice. The color just gives a cool contrast....but if all you've got is brown rice...go for it! The dish won't disappoint.

So grab a spoon, a bowl, the paper, your family, or all of the above and dig in. I bet you'll find something interesting in that Marketplace section. Before you get engrossed in it though, can you please pass me the Sports????
​

Red Rice & Creamy Dill Salad

Yum