Near East Rice Pilaf Low Fat

Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful yet guilt-free Near East Rice Pilaf! This low-fat recipe combines tender white rice with a medley of sautéed vegetables, including aromatic onion, carrot, and celery, all perfectly seasoned with a blend of dried parsley, thyme, and basil. Cooked in low-sodium chicken broth for added richness, this pilaf achieves a delightful balance of wholesome ingredients and bold taste. A touch of olive oil keeps it light, while optional slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and healthy rice pilaf is ideal for serving alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a hearty vegetarian main. Your go-to recipe for a delicious and nutritious meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup onion
• 0.5 cup carrot
• 0.25 cup celery
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Finely dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.

Step 5

Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is evenly coated with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the dried parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.

Step 9

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 11

If desired, top with slivered almonds for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Low-Fat Near East Rice Pilaf!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	887.8 grams (887.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	532

Total Fat 22.90g	29%
Saturated Fat 2.80g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 806mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate 70.80g	26%
Dietary Fiber 7.10g	25%
Total Sugars 10.80g
Protein 14.20g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142mg	11%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 638mg	14%

*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: 37.7%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 51.9%