Simple Brown Rice Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this Simple Brown Rice Pilaf—a hearty and flavorful recipe that's both nutritious and easy to prepare. Featuring wholesome brown rice simmered in aromatic broth with sautéed vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, this dish is packed with savory depth and natural sweetness. Perfect as a healthier alternative to plain rice, the pilaf is lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, while optional fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Whether you opt for butter or olive oil for a vegan twist, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can even shine on its own as a light lunch. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, this brown rice pilaf is a satisfying addition to any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed brown rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice gently for 35-40 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffier.
Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
545 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.4 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1635 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.6 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 10.5 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 172 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 960 mg | 20% | |
*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.
