Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf Recipe
Overview
This Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. With a unique blend of vegetables, fresh herbs, and hearty brown rice, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal, or even as a satisfying lunch on its own. The tanginess from balsamic vinegar paired with the subtle warmth of jalapeño and fresh sage makes this rice pilaf a zesty yet comforting choice for your table. Whether you’re preparing for a quick lunch or a festive brunch, this recipe from Love with Recipes offers a healthy and easy-to-make dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Zucchini | 1 medium |
| Red Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic Cloves | 2, minced |
| Fresh Sage | 1–2 leaves |
| Brown Basmati Rice | 1 cup |
| Brown Rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Green Peas | 2 cups |
| Frozen Green Peas | 1 cup |
| Red Pepper (optional) | 1 medium |
| Jalapeño Pepper (optional) | 1 small |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 306.6 kcal |
| Fat | 8.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.1 mg |
| Sodium | 286.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 47.9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8.1 g |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oils are hot, add the zucchini and red onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and slightly translucent. This should take about 4 minutes. The zucchini will soften up and take on a golden hue.
Step 2: Add Spices and Herbs
Next, introduce the red pepper and jalapeño pepper (if you want a spicier pilaf, feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño). Add the minced garlic and fresh sage leaves. Sauté these for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the peppers to soften. This will give the dish a lovely aromatic base.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasoning
Now it’s time to add the brown basmati rice and brown rice. Stir everything together to coat the rice with the sautéed vegetables and oils. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and stir again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids
Pour in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits of fond that have stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This step adds a rich, deep flavor to the rice. Once the pan is deglazed, add the chicken broth and buttermilk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice
Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Keep an eye on it to make sure the rice doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom.
Step 6: Add Green Peas and Fluff
When the rice is done cooking, add the green peas (fresh or frozen, depending on what you have on hand) while fluffing the rice with a fork. The peas will heat up quickly as you fluff the rice, adding color and a fresh taste to the pilaf. Remove the pan from the heat, replace the lid, and set it aside for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
After the rice has rested, give it a final fluff and serve it alongside your favorite main dish. This Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone vegetarian meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Substitute with Quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using quinoa in place of brown rice for a light, nutty flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil and the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish fully vegan.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the jalapeño and red pepper. Conversely, for an extra kick, add more jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce.
This Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, packed with fiber from the brown rice and peas, and filled with essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a hearty lunch, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Conclusion
This Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a colorful, healthy, and satisfying dish that complements any meal. Whether you’re looking for a new lunch option, a side dish for dinner, or a tasty addition to a weekend brunch, this pilaf is sure to please. It’s a dish that brings together the goodness of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and vibrant spices in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this rice pilaf in advance?
Yes! This rice pilaf can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply fluff with a fork and add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Can I freeze this pilaf?
While this rice pilaf can be frozen, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, let the pilaf cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up in a pan on the stove.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the dish, but you can substitute it with white rice if needed. Keep in mind that white rice will cook faster, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
This delightful recipe for Zippy Brown Rice Pilaf is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a dish that is both wholesome and full of flavor!
