Heart-Healthy Cilantro Rice

Light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, Heart-Healthy Cilantro Rice is the perfect side dish to complement your healthy lifestyle. Made with wholesome brown rice and simmered to perfection in low-sodium vegetable broth, this dish gets a vibrant punch of flavor from fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and sautéed garlic. The addition of green onions and a drizzle of heart-friendly olive oil adds layers of texture and taste, all while keeping your sodium intake in check. This easy-to-make recipe, ready in under an hour, is naturally gluten-free and rich in fiber, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or serving alongside your favorite lean proteins. Whether enjoyed as a base for burrito bowls or a simple, aromatic side dish, this cilantro rice is sure to elevate any meal with its fresh and wholesome ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 medium lime, juiced
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoon sea salt, optional

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth or water to a boil.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth or water, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low.

Step 4

Simmer the rice for about 35-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 5

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 7

Add the sautéed garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chopped green onions to the fluffed rice.

Step 8

Season the rice with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 9

Serve the cilantro rice warm as a side dish or a base for your favorite heart-healthy protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1026.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	453.0

Total Fat 18.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 897.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.9g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 12.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 179.3mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 1051.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.1%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 55.8%