Pesto Rice
Transform your weeknight meals with this vibrant and flavorful pesto rice recipe, a quick and easy dish that's perfect as a side or light main course. Made with tender, fluffy white rice infused with the bold, herbal richness of pesto, this dish is brought to life with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of savory parmesan cheese. Optional toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant and colorful garnish. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this versatile recipe is ideal for busy nights, pleasing vegetarians and pesto lovers alike. Discover how a few simple ingredients can deliver a restaurant-worthy experience at home!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 cups store-bought or homemade pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cups parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
Step 4
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the rice to become fully tender.
Step 5
Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm rice with the pesto and olive oil. Stir until all the rice is evenly coated with pesto.
Step 7
If using, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Step 8
Transfer the pesto rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Step 10
Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (757.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 774.8 |
| Total Fat 56.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 27.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1703.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 52.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.7g | |
| Protein 18.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 366.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 2.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 216.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories