Lemony Brown Rice Pilaf

Brighten up your dinner table with this Lemony Brown Rice Pilaf, a wholesome and flavorful side dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with nutty brown rice, sautéed onions, and aromatic garlic, this pilaf is simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth for maximum depth of flavor. A burst of fresh lemon juice and zest adds a zippy citrusy twist, while chopped parsley enhances its fresh, herbaceous notes. Toasted slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch if you choose to include them. Perfect as a side for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or vegetables, this recipe is simple to prepare yet packed with irresistible layers of flavor. Ready in under an hour, this healthy, gluten-free dish will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
• 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6

While the rice cooks, zest the lemon and chop the parsley. Set aside.

Step 7

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with toasted slivered almonds, if using. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(895.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	752.1

Total Fat 49.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 1482.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.1g	0%
Total Sugars 8.9g
Protein 10.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 143.7mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 888.2mg	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: 57.6%

Protein: 5.4%

Carbs: 37.0%