Herbed Rice with Broccoli

Elevate your side dish game with Herbed Rice with Broccoli, a beautifully simple yet flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with any main course. This dish combines light and fluffy long-grain rice, infused with the earthy aroma of garlic, thyme, and vegetable broth, for a savory base that’s both comforting and aromatic. Tender-crisp blanched broccoli adds a pop of vibrant green and a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings herbaceous brightness to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy, one-pot recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Serve it as a vegan-friendly main or as a side dish to roasted proteins for a balanced, wholesome meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant while being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 8

Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

Step 9

After the rice has simmered for 10 minutes, remove the lid and quickly fluff the rice using a fork.

Step 10

Add the blanched broccoli on top of the rice, cover the saucepan again, and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the broccoli to steam and the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

Step 12

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the rice and broccoli, then gently fold everything together making sure not to mash the broccoli.

Step 13

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	899.1 grams (899.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	749

Total Fat 32.80g	42%
Saturated Fat 5.30g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3540mg	154%
Total Carbohydrate 97.40g	35%
Dietary Fiber 11.60g	41%
Total Sugars 9.40g
Protein 20.90g	42%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 208mg	16%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 1026mg	22%

*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: 38.4%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 50.7%