Add a fresh and flavorful twist to your rice dishes with this Zesty Lemon Brown Rice with Garlic and Thyme. Nutty brown rice is infused with the vibrant taste of lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy thyme, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether served alongside grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken, this recipe is a healthy and refreshing way to elevate your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2¼ cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Brown Rice : In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40–45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
- Prepare the Aromatics : In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned).
- Combine the Ingredients : Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet with the garlic and thyme, stirring to combine. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish : Transfer the lemon brown rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for added color and freshness.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon Brown Rice with Garlic and Thyme is a refreshing and versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Its light, citrusy flavor and aromatic herbs make it a delightful addition to any meal. Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Zesty Lemon Brown Rice with Garlic and Thyme
This light and flavorful brown rice recipe combines the zestiness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the earthy aroma of thyme. It's quick, healthy, and perfect as a side dish for any meal.
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2¼ cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (chopped (optional, for garnish))
- Cook the Brown Rice : In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40–45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
- Prepare the Aromatics : In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned).
- Combine the Ingredients : Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet with the garlic and thyme, stirring to combine. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish : Transfer the lemon brown rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for added color and freshness.