Discover the wholesome charm of Sugar-Free Portuguese Rice, a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. This flavorful dish combines tender long-grain white rice with aromatic sautéed onion and garlic, simmered in savory low-sodium chicken stock and infused with warm spices like paprika and bay leaf for a rich depth of flavor. The recipe is effortlessly simple, requiring just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness to this health-conscious dish, free of added sugars and perfectly balanced with subtle seasoning. Serve it as a hearty side or elevate it into a satisfying main alongside your favorite protein. Whether you're seeking a wholesome alternative or a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite!
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rice to the pot, stirring continuously to coat every grain with oil and let it slightly toast for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and add the bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to rest.
Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and stir in the freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1474 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.6 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 476 mg | 10% | |
*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.