Heart-Healthy Cilantro Rice
Elevate your next meal with Heart-Healthy Cilantro Rice, a vibrant and nutritious side dish that's bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for clean eating. This recipe swaps traditional white rice for wholesome, fiber-rich brown rice, cooked in low-sodium vegetable broth to boost flavor without compromising heart health. Infused with the zest of lime juice, the aromatic punch of sautéed garlic, and a medley of fresh cilantro and green onions, this dish delivers a refreshing twist that’s both delicious and guilt-free. With a splash of olive oil and a pinch of black pepper for seasoning, it’s a simple yet flavorful accompaniment to lean proteins or roasted veggies. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or wholesome meal planning. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients—an all-around win for your heart and your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt, optional
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth or water to a boil.
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth or water, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the rice for about 35-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the sautéed garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chopped green onions to the fluffed rice.
Season the rice with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Serve the cilantro rice warm as a side dish or a base for your favorite heart-healthy protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
453 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.7 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 897 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.9 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.9 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 179 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1051 mg | 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.
