Herbed Basmati Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts
This Herbed Basmati Rice is a delightful and nutritious dish inspired by a healthy recipe from Cooking Light Magazine. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or as a stand-alone meal. The aromatic basmati rice is sautéed with garlic, then simmered with a blend of savory chicken broth and fresh herbs. Toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan add a delicious crunch and creaminess, while green onions lend a burst of freshness. This upgraded version skips the olive oil and added salt, making it a light and healthy choice you can enjoy guilt-free.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Water
1 cup (none)
Reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1 cup (none)
Cooking spray
as needed (none)
Chopped green onion
1/4 cup (none)
Toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup (toast before use)
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (none)
Chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon (none)
Chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Spray a medium skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
2
Add the uncooked basmati rice and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until the rice is lightly toasted, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3
Pour in the water and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5
After the cooking time, remove the skillet from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to steam the rice.
6
Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the chopped green onions, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Basmati Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts?
It is a nutritious and flavorful side dish made with aromatic basmati rice, fresh herbs, garlic, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, inspired by a Cooking Light Magazine recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this version is light and healthy as it skips olive oil and added salt, using chicken broth and fresh herbs for flavor instead.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice.
How long does it take to simmer the rice?
The rice should be covered and simmered on low heat for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Why do I need to let the rice stand for 5 minutes after cooking?
Letting the rice stand covered for 5 minutes allows it to steam, ensuring the grains are tender and easy to fluff.
Is this dish vegetarian?
While the tags suggest it is vegetarian, the ingredients list chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, you should substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What are the primary herbs used in this dish?
The recipe uses chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh thyme, and chopped green onions.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
You should toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and aromatic before adding them to the rice.
What can I serve with this rice dish?
It is a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or can be served as a stand-alone light meal.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan cheese alternative.
Why is the rice sautéed with garlic before boiling?
Sautéing the rice for 2 minutes toasts the grain and infuses it with the flavor of the minced garlic.
What is the liquid-to-rice ratio used here?
The recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice, consisting of 1 cup of water and 1 cup of chicken broth for 1 cup of basmati rice.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of grated fresh Parmesan cheese.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but since dried herbs are more potent, you should use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs.
How do I fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains after the steaming process is complete.
What flavor does the Parmesan cheese add?
The Parmesan cheese adds a savory saltiness and a slight creaminess to the finished dish.
Is there any oil used in the cooking process?
No, the recipe uses cooking spray instead of oil to keep the dish light.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the rice, liquids, herbs, and toppings.
What is the role of the green onions?
The green onions lend a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor to the rice.
Can I use brown basmati rice instead?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually 40-50 minutes) than white basmati rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Basmati rice is naturally gluten-free; however, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the rice and garlic frequently during the 2-minute sautéing phase to prevent the garlic from scorching.
What if I don't have pine nuts?
You can substitute pine nuts with toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a similar crunch.
Should the broth be full-fat or fat-free?
The recipe specifically recommends reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth to keep the calorie count low.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not spicy. It relies on savory herbs and black pepper for seasoning.
Can this be prepared in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the rice and garlic first, then transfer everything to a rice cooker with the liquids to complete the process.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What size skillet is needed?
A medium skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for this recipe.
Can I add more garlic?
Certainly, if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of minced garlic.
Where did the inspiration for this dish come from?
The dish was inspired by a healthy recipe originally featured in Cooking Light Magazine.