Looking for an elegant side dish for your Christmas feast? How about a simple, but filling, meat-free weeknight dinner?

Loaded Rice Pilaf may be just what you're looking for.For years this was my go-to company dish, served alongside my Chicken Marsala or Chicken Normandy, and is adapted from a recipe by Chef James Beard. It makes a great side dish for roast beef or Salisbury steak.I also discovered, however, the more I load it up (you could throw a handful of sliced mushrooms in as well) the more I realized how filling it was and that it could easily stand on its own as the main part of a light supper.Either way you serve it, I'm sure you will enjoy it.Loaded Rice PilafMakes four servings2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons oilOne-half cup chopped onion1 cup rice2 cups boiling beef stockFreshly ground black pepperSalt, if neededThree-quarter cup slivered almonds, toastedOne-half cup raisins, reconstituted in one-half cup of white wine or stock1 cup frozen peasHeat butter and oil in a heavy skillet, add onion and cook until translucent. Add rice and stir over low heat until grains are lightly coated with oil and have lost their raw color, about 3-5 minutes. Add beef stock, stir and season to taste. Bring to a boil and cover, simmer over low heat, about 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked through and soft.Add toasted almonds, raisins and peas. Toss and serve.For more Comfort & Joy recipes, visit

www.tnonline.com/lifestyle/comfort-and-joy.