Herbed Brown Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Continental Side Dish
Description:
Herbed Brown Rice is a flavorful, aromatic side dish that’s perfect for elevating any continental meal. Infused with the richness of caramelized garlic and onions, this rice is cooked with a delightful blend of dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, and red chili flakes, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite curry, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this dish adds a burst of flavor to your meal while being easy to prepare.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown Rice | 1-1/2 cups |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Dried Oregano | 3 teaspoons |
| Rosemary | 3 teaspoons |
| Red Chili Flakes | 4 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2-1/2 cups (for soaking rice) and additional for cooking |
Nutritional Information (Approx.):
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of Recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 160 mg |
Instructions:
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the brown rice in 2-1/2 cups of water for 30 minutes. This will help the rice cook evenly and yield a fluffier texture. Once soaked, drain the rice and set it aside. -
Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté it until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized, another 3-4 minutes. -
Add Rice and Seasonings:
Add the soaked and drained rice into the pressure cooker. Stir to combine with the garlic and onions. Sprinkle the dried oregano, rosemary, red chili flakes, and salt over the rice. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasonings. -
Cook the Rice:
Pour in 2-1/2 cups of water (or enough to cover the rice), and stir to mix everything well. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the rice on high heat for 3 whistles. After 3 whistles, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. -
Allow Pressure to Release:
Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This helps the rice finish cooking without becoming overcooked. -
Fluff and Serve:
Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and give it a final mix. If desired, sprinkle additional herbs on top for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Herbed Brown Rice is best served hot and can be paired with a variety of dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Chicken Curry with Sweet Potatoes and a refreshing Red Cabbage, Carrot, Sprout, and Onion Salad. This combination makes for a perfect Sunday meal or a weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Enjoy this fragrant and comforting Herbed Brown Rice as a side dish that will surely complement any continental-style main course. With its balance of earthy herbs and the natural nuttiness of brown rice, this dish is both a crowd-pleaser and a healthy addition to your meal repertoire.
Tips:
- If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can also cook this rice on the stovetop. In that case, use a saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
- For a slightly richer flavor, you can substitute half of the water with vegetable broth.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or bay leaves for a unique twist.
