Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice, a dish that pairs wholesome ingredients with bold, smoky flavors. Packed with nutrient-rich brown rice, tender baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of fiery chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, this recipe is a perfect balance of health and indulgence. Enhanced with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and brightened by fresh lemon juice, every bite delivers zesty Mediterranean flair with a smoky kick. Ready in just 40 minutes and topped with optional crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of creaminess, this versatile rice dish shines as a light main course or a standout side. Perfect for those seeking easy, healthy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, our Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice is sure to become a new weeknight favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pepper canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Finely chop the chipotle pepper and add it to the skillet along with a bit of adobo sauce from the can for heat adjustment according to preference. Stir well to distribute the smoky chipotle flavor.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the baby spinach gradually, allowing it to wilt down into the mixture.
Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetables and chipotle mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Season the rice with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.
For an optional garnish, top the rice with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Serve the Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice warm, either as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
719 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.6 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 2066 mg | 90% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.3 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 454 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 683 mg | 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.
