Herbed Rice Pilaf

Herbed Rice Pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine with its blend of fresh herbs and spices. This vegetarian delight pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or can be enjoyed on its own for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Vegetable broth - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Yellow onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 small, diced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh dill - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Fresh mint - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes before cooking.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the pan, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the carrot is slightly tender.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains with the oil and vegetable mixture for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt, black pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
6. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped parsley, dill, mint, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. If desired, garnish with toasted pine nuts before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
• Contains various vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs, enhancing overall nutritional value.

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