Low Sodium Portuguese Rice

Savor the vibrant flavors of Low Sodium Portuguese Rice, a heart-healthy twist on a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish. This recipe brings together aromatic staples like sautéed onions, minced garlic, and fresh tomatoes, combined with perfectly cooked long-grain rice simmered in low-sodium chicken broth. A subtle kick of paprika and a hint of lemon zest elevate this dish, while the addition of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple one-pot cooking, this easy and wholesome side dish is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're seeking a flavorful low-sodium recipe or a taste of Portuguese cuisine, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 large, chopped fresh tomatoes
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 for garnish and zest lemon

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, add the bay leaf, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rinsed rice. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 8

Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan, and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the chopped parsley and freshly grated lemon zest.

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with a wedge of lemon for an extra zesty kick if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1143.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	672.6

Total Fat 29.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1138.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 86.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 17.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 150.8mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 1529.8mg	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: 39.2%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 50.7%