Zucchini with Orange Rice

Elevate your mealtime with the vibrant and flavorful "Zucchini with Orange Rice," a perfect blend of fresh, citrusy goodness and wholesome ingredients. This dish features tender sautéed zucchini, aromatic garlic, and fluffy long-grain rice infused with the tangy sweetness of orange juice and zest. Simmered to perfection in a mix of orange juice and vegetable broth, this fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds and the fresh brightness of parsley. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or elegant dinner sides. Whether served as a light main course or a complementary side dish, this recipe is a delightful way to add a refreshing twist to classic rice dishes. Perfect for fans of citrus, healthy cooking, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1.5 cups orange juice
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds

Directions

Step 1

Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Set aside.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains in the oil. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Stir in the orange juice, vegetable broth, orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the sautéed zucchini.

Step 8

Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the rice and zucchini mixture.

Step 9

Top with toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1148.8 grams (1148.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	968

Total Fat 39.20g	50%
Saturated Fat 5.60g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6376mg	277%
Total Carbohydrate 136.70g	50%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 59.90g
Protein 18.20g	36%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 196mg	15%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 2025mg	43%

*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: 36.3%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 56.2%