Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts, a quick and flavorful twist on classic rice dishes. Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice is infused with the bold, herbaceous flavors of fresh basil pesto and drizzled with golden olive oil for a luxurious touch. Toasted pine nuts add a buttery crunch, while optional Parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty richness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering. Garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra pine nuts, this fragrant rice dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for pairing with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, this pesto rice is sure to become a go-to favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups Water
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.33 cups Fresh basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 4 pieces Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will ensure fluffy cooked rice.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, toast the pine nuts. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
When the rice is ready, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Drizzle the olive oil over the rice and add the fresh basil pesto. Fold the pesto into the rice gently until it is evenly coated.
Stir in the toasted pine nuts, reserving a few for garnish. If using Parmesan cheese, fold it in at this stage as well.
Transfer the pesto rice to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with the reserved pine nuts and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
305 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.0 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 451 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.4 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 158 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 130 mg | 3% | |
*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.
