Brown Rice With Pine Nuts
A flavorful and nutritious dish featuring brown rice toasted with pine nuts, sautéed vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package directions using chicken broth and water as cooking liquid.
- Meanwhile, in a cold skillet, toast pine nuts over low heat, shaking the pan to brown nuts evenly. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add oil and sesame oil to the skillet and sauté shredded zucchini, shredded carrot, and diced onion until tender.
- Mix the toasted pine nuts and sautéed vegetables with the cooked rice.
- Season to taste with soy sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or a low-sodium option. You can substitute the brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free dish. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or slivered almonds work well. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor, so don't skip this step. This dish pairs beautifully with Special Chicken And Rice for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a main course or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. It complements nicely with a fresh salad, such as Chicken Coleslaw, for a balanced meal. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of green onions on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, adding moisture to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice With Pine Nuts contains roughly 972 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2449mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar depth of flavor. You can also use water, but consider adding more seasonings to enhance the taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, incorporate chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve the dish with a side of sriracha or chili oil for those who enjoy extra heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).