Near East Rice Pilaf Low Fat
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful yet guilt-free Near East Rice Pilaf! This low-fat recipe combines tender white rice with a medley of sautéed vegetables, including aromatic onion, carrot, and celery, all perfectly seasoned with a blend of dried parsley, thyme, and basil. Cooked in low-sodium chicken broth for added richness, this pilaf achieves a delightful balance of wholesome ingredients and bold taste. A touch of olive oil keeps it light, while optional slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and healthy rice pilaf is ideal for serving alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a hearty vegetarian main. Your go-to recipe for a delicious and nutritious meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 cup onion
- 0.5 cup carrot
- 0.25 cup celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions
Finely dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is evenly coated with the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine.
Add the dried parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
If desired, top with slivered almonds for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your Low-Fat Near East Rice Pilaf!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
532 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.9 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 806 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 638 mg | 14% | |
*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.
