Vegan Arroz Blanco
Brighten up your meal with Vegan Arroz Blanco, a simple yet flavorful twist on classic white rice. This recipe combines perfectly cooked long-grain rice with aromatic garlic, a subtle hint of bay leaf, and a zesty touch of lime zest for a refreshing finish. Made with olive oil, this vegan-friendly dish is perfectly light, versatile, and pairs beautifully with black beans, grilled veggies, or creamy avocado slices. Optional chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and an herby flair, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish or base for your favorite plant-based creations. With minimal prep and a quick 20-minute cook time, this easy Vegan Arroz Blanco is perfect for busy weeknights while impressing on any occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and helps keep the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure not to brown it.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and garlic.
Add the water, bay leaf, and salt to the rice. Stir briefly to combine.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 18 minutes without disturbing.
After 18 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining steam.
Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Stir in the lime zest and optional fresh cilantro, if using, for added flavor.
Serve the Vegan Arroz Blanco as a side dish or as a base for your favorite vegan additions, such as black beans, grilled vegetables, or avocado slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
405 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.6 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1199 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.8 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 122 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.
