Orange Herb Rice

Elevate your side dishes with this vibrant and aromatic Orange Herb Rice, a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and earthy herbaceousness! Long-grain white rice is infused with the fresh flavors of orange juice, zesty orange zest, and a hint of garlic, then delicately seasoned with fresh parsley, thyme, and just the right touch of salt and pepper. The rice is lightly toasted in olive oil before simmering to perfection, locking in a fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this colorful dish is ideal for pairing with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, or your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meal. Garnish with extra parsley or orange zest for an eye-catching finish that will wow your guests! Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, this side dish is a flavorful twist on classic rice recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the olive oil and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Pour in the water and orange juice. Add the orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and fully absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley and thyme.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish and garnish with extra parsley or orange zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	966.4 grams (966.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	518

Total Fat 15.40g	20%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2385mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 87.70g	32%
Dietary Fiber 3.60g	13%
Total Sugars 21.50g
Protein 8.00g	16%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 118mg	9%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 685mg	15%

*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: 26.6%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 67.3%