Herb Rice
Herb rice is a flavorful, aromatic side dish featuring herbs and tender rice, perfect for complementing a variety of main courses, especially poultry and seafood.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a skillet and add diced onions and uncooked rice.
- Stir constantly until rice and onions are yellow.
- Transfer the mixture to a rice pot.
- Add marjoram, summer savory, rosemary, and salt.
- Prepare chicken stock by dissolving 3 chicken bouillon cubes in 2 cups boiling water or using prepared chicken stock.
- Add the hot broth to the rice mixture.
- Cook as you would for regular rice until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine. If you want to add a protein, diced chicken or shrimp can be incorporated during cooking. Fresh herbs will elevate the dish; use them instead of dried if available. To enhance the dish, you might also add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Herb rice is versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can also be served alongside dishes like Leah's Peach Cobbler for a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a fresh salad or coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herb rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it covered, or warm it gently on the stove while adding a bit of broth to prevent drying out. It can also be frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Rice contains roughly 255 calories, with 5g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio since brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Follow the package instructions for cooking brown rice, which usually requires more water and a longer simmering time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. This will keep the dish flavorful while adhering to vegan recipes.
What other herbs can I add to this rice?
Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in some sautéed garlic or shallots for an aromatic touch that complements the herbs beautifully.
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).