Elevate your side dish game with this Dairy-Free Arroz Blanco, a light and fluffy Latin-inspired white rice recipe that’s perfect for those seeking a lactose-free alternative. Infused with the delicate aroma of sautéed onion, garlic, and a hint of rich coconut oil, this recipe swaps traditional dairy ingredients for plant-based flavor without compromising on taste. A single bay leaf enhances the rice’s subtle complexity, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the dish with a touch of herbaceous vibrancy. Ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for pairing with your favorite mains, this easy-to-make, gluten-free rice dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing side at any gathering.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat each grain with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it starts to look opaque.
Pour in the water gently, and add the salt and bay leaf. Stir once and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this cooking process as it may release the steam needed to cook the rice evenly.
After 18-20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and discard the bay leaf.
Garnish with the chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Dairy-Free Arroz Blanco as a delicious side dish!
Calories |
556 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1204 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 85 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 262 mg | 6% | |
*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.