Elevate your side dish game with this Low Sodium Rice with Almonds recipe, a heart-healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor! This dish features fluffy basmati rice gently cooked with fragrant garlic and olive oil, then enhanced with toasted unsalted almonds for a delightful crunch. Lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley add a refreshing, zesty pop, while a touch of black pepper completes the medley of flavors. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this simple yet sophisticated recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weekday side or something to impress at your next gathering, this dish delivers both health benefits and bold taste in every bite!
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the almonds and toast them until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Remove the almonds and set aside.
In the same saucepan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and garlic mixture for about 2 minutes.
Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy your low sodium rice with almonds!
Calories |
831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.9 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 22 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.6 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 19.8 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 230 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 587 mg | 12% | |
*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.