Imagine a side dish so tantalizing that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Rice with Garlic and Pine Nuts recipe is not just a simple side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of the Middle East. With its golden-toasted pine nuts, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add pine nuts to the pan and toast them lightly with the garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until they become golden brown and release their nutty aroma.
- Pour in the rice and stir to coat the grains with oil, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. Toast the rice for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add vegetable broth to the pan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, redistributing the pine nuts and garlic throughout the dish.
- Serve hot as a side dish or base for other recipes, garnishing with additional toasted pine nuts if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Watch Your Garlic: Sauté garlic quickly and carefully—30-45 seconds is the sweet spot to release flavor without burning.
- Toasting Technique: When toasting pine nuts, keep them moving constantly to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Use low heat when simmering rice to prevent scorching and ensure even, gentle cooking.
- Resting Matters: Allow the rice to rest covered after cooking for 5 minutes—this helps redistribute moisture and complete the cooking process.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra layer of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
