Leila Brandon'S Seasoned Rice
Leila Brandon's seasoned rice is a flavorful Jamaican dish featuring aromatic vegetables, tomato juice, and spices, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion, green pepper, and garlic in oil until soft.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Stand in a warm place for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. If you don’t have instant rice, long-grain rice works but may require longer cooking time. You can substitute the pimentos with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely if unavailable. Using vegetable oil is fine, but olive oil can add a nice depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This seasoned rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or serve it as a base for a Buddha bowl filled with your favorite toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to retain moisture and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leila Brandon'S Seasoned Rice contains roughly 346 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the recipe accordingly by increasing the tomato juice and allowing for additional simmering time.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, try using vegetable broth or a combination of diced tomatoes and water. You can also blend canned tomatoes to achieve a similar consistency. Just keep in mind that using broth will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This seasoned rice is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator. You can prepare a large batch and portion it out for the week. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before storing, and it can be easily reheated when you're ready to eat.
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).