Easy Brown Rice Side Dish

Elevate your dinner table with this Easy Brown Rice Side Dish, a wholesome and flavorful accompaniment that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Made with nutty brown rice simmered in a blend of water and low-sodium broth, this recipe boasts a savory depth of flavor thanks to sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of olive oil. Toasting the rice enhances its natural earthiness, while simple seasoning with salt and black pepper allows the ingredients to shine. Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on effort, this healthy side dish is perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep. Top it off with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous finish, and enjoy a dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed brown rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.

Step 6

Pour in the water and chicken or vegetable broth, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8

Simmer the rice for 35-40 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid uncovering the saucepan during cooking to retain steam.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	926.6 grams (926.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	407

Total Fat 16.20g	21%
Saturated Fat 2.60g	13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1280mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate 58.40g	21%
Dietary Fiber 5.70g	20%
Total Sugars 5.10g
Protein 7.30g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 94mg	7%
Iron 2mg	9%
Potassium 313mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.7%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 57.2%