Pine Nut and Basil Rice
Elevate your rice game with this vibrant Pine Nut and Basil Rice, a fragrant and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight. Featuring fluffy basmati rice infused with the nuttiness of golden-toasted pine nuts, the freshness of chopped basil leaves, and the zesty brightness of lemon, this recipe achieves the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Sautéed garlic and a drizzle of olive oil deepen the aroma, making every bite irresistibly savory. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a versatile side dish or a light, satisfying main alongside grilled protein or a crisp salad. With its Mediterranean-inspired flair, Pine Nut and Basil Rice is the ultimate addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the pine nuts to the skillet and toast them lightly, stirring frequently, until golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pine nuts from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the toasted pine nuts, sautéed garlic, fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped), lemon zest, and black pepper to the rice. Gently mix until well combined.
Taste and adjust salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or as a light main course with a salad or grilled protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.9 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1199 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.8 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.5 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 334 mg | 7% | |
*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.
