Versatile rice comes to life with the flavor of garlic in this simple-to-make and enjoyable-to-eat Garlic Rice dish.
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Rice is one of the most useful and inexpensive staples every home should have. It easily steps in when you don’t know what to make for lunch or dinner. White rice has a history that dates back thousands of years. It originated in Asia, where ancient farmers in China and India were the first to cultivate it around 10,000 years ago. These early farmers discovered that by removing the husk, bran, and germ layers of the rice grains, they could create rice with a longer shelf life and a milder taste compared to brown rice. Over time, this staple food spread across continents and became a part of diets in many societies.
In the United States, white rice became popular due to its versatility and convenience. It’s simple to prepare and complements a range of dishes, making it a common side dish for meals. Whether it’s included in a bowl of Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli, served alongside a stir-fry dish, or made into a sweet rice pudding dessert, white rice fits into various culinary traditions. Its neutral taste allows it to absorb flavors from sauces and seasonings, enhancing the flavor of any dish.
Garlic rice is a dish that needs little help when serving. It is wonderful on its own as a meal, and the aroma and flavor of the garlic are captivating. I am a fan of buttered rice at lunchtime, and with the addition of garlic, my rice feels more like a meal than a side dish.
Is Garlic Rice Healthy?
Garlic rice isn’t just tasty; it is surprisingly good for you, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Garlic is packed with nutrients and powerful antioxidants that can help strengthen your immune system. It contains substances like allicin, which possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Rice offers carbohydrates that provide lasting energy and keep you satisfied for longer periods. When combined, garlic and rice form a dish that is not only delicious but also nourishing and low in fat.
What is long-grain rice?
With different rice varieties available it can get confusing. This recipe calls for white, long-grain rice. Long-grain rice, as its name implies, features slender grains that maintain their individuality and fluffiness when cooked. Basmati and jasmine are among the favored types, each bringing its aroma and flavor profiles to the scene. Basmati boasts a fragrance ideal for Middle Eastern or South Asian dishes while jasmine offers a subtly sweet and floral essence commonly found in Thai cuisine. For garlic rice, long-grain works well when desiring a fluffy, tender rice result.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté
Cook garlic until fragrant.
Toast
Stir in rice and toast slightly.
Simmer
Add broth, simmer until tender.
Fluff
Rest, fluff, and garnish.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Once cooked, allow the rice to cool to room temperature then place it in a food-safe storage bag or airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze rice for up to 3 months; however, expect the texture to change when frozen. It may become mushy.
The microwave is a good friend when reheating garlic rice. Place it in a covered microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until warm. You can also heat it in a saucepan with a little liquid or butter so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Fresh garlic is best for a strong garlic flavor and its health benefits. Still, if you’re craving garlic rice and you don’t have fresh garlic, you may use garlic powder. Also, jarred garlic that is already minced works very well and still has many of the health benefits of freshly crushed garlic cloves.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic rice is a wonderful healthy dish, so it’s nice to find healthy dishes to accompany it. A favorite is FFF’s Easy Sautéed Shrimp piled on top of the garlic rice. It’s a light meal packed with protein and energizing carbs. Garlic rice also makes a great side with an Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak or Instant Pot Steak. Vegetarians might enjoy some Crispy and Healthy Baked Tofu mixed in with the garlic rice, as well as Oven-Roasted Vegetables on the side or mixed in with the garlic rice. Garlic rice is versatile and perfect for a light meal on its own or as a full meal combined with other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for another 2 minutes, toasting it slightly while stirring continuously.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and, if desired, stir in the fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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