Transform your everyday rice into a nourishing masterpiece with this Heart-Healthy Arroz Blanco recipe! Featuring fragrant garlic sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice, and a flavorful blend of reduced-sodium vegetable broth and a hint of bay leaf, this dish offers all the comfort of traditional arroz blanco with a nutritious twist. A finishing touch of fresh parsley and zesty lemon provides a burst of freshness that will brighten any meal. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this lighter, low-sodium version of a classic side dish is perfect for those looking to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle without compromising on flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite protein or use it as a versatile base for vibrant grain bowls.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
Add the water, reduced-sodium vegetable broth, bay leaf, and salt to the pan and stir to combine.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for about 15-18 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the fresh parsley and lemon zest.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for a variety of meals.
Serving size | 702.2 grams (702.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 315 |
Total Fat 5.20g | 7% |
Saturated Fat 0.80g | 4% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 612mg | 27% |
Total Carbohydrate 59.90g | 22% |
Dietary Fiber 1.80g | 6% |
Total Sugars 0.30g | |
Protein 6.10g | 12% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 85mg | 7% |
Iron 3mg | 17% |
Potassium 176mg | 4% |
Source of Calories