Brown Rice Recipes

HERBED BROWN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and saute until tender. Add the rice and stir until the rice is glossy and coated with the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the stock, garlic and thyme. Cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook 40 minutes, turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Remove the thyme sprigs and garlic. Fluff with a fork and add parsley and green onions.

MEXICAN BROWN RICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor or blender, combine the tomatoes, onion and garlic, and blend until smooth. In a liquid measuring cup, measure out 2 cups of the tomato mixture and discard the rest.
• Warm the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven* over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and jalapeño and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the vegetable broth (watch out for splatters), tomato mixture, tomato paste (add a little extra if you're using fresh tomatoes that aren't super flavorful), and salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Cover the pot with the lid and carefully transfer it to the oven. Bake until the liquid is absorbed (the rice will look dry when you take off the lid, but don't worry) and the rice is tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
• Stir in the cilantro and season to taste with additional salt, if necessary (I often add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon). If you'd like spicier rice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes and stir again. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

MASTER RECIPE: BROWN RICE

Steps:

• The Right Ratio: Trust us: Though it's printed on the package, the standard 2-to-1 ratio makes mushy rice. For long-grain brown rice, use 1 1/4 cups water to 1 cup rice. For short-grain, use 1 1/2 cups water.
• Quick Cooking Time: Bring rice, water, and salt (1/4 teaspoon per cup of rice) to a boil. Cover, and reduce to a slow, steady simmer. Many recipes call for 50 minutes, but we think 30 minutes is plenty. A wide, shallow pot with a tight-fitting lid ensures evenly cooked grains.
• Steam and Fluff: Let the cooked rice sit for 10 minutes, covered, to absorb maximum moisture; then remove the lid, and fluff the grains with a fork.

GARLICKY BROWN RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add rice and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Stir in water, broth and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce heat and cook over medium-high heat for 45 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Spoon into a bowl and fluff with a fork. Top with green onions.