Rice With Butter And Sage Leaves
A fragrant Italian rice dish featuring toasted sage and browned butter, topped with Romano cheese. Perfect for elegant dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring about 3 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rice and boil over high heat for 16 minutes.
- Drain the rice and turn it onto a serving dish. Sprinkle with Romano cheese.
- When the rice is almost ready, heat butter with sage leaves in a skillet until the butter turns chestnut brown.
- Pour the browned butter and sage over the rice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality Arborio rice for its creamy texture. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be a great substitute. Ensure your butter is unsalted to control the saltiness of the dish. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the butter as it browns, which complements the sage beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This rice dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp salad or a light soup, such as Lattuge In Brodo(Lettuce In Broth), to balance the richness of the butter. It can also be a delightful side to Italian recipes featuring robust sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra butter for flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Butter And Sage Leaves contains roughly 253 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1213mg per serving (53% 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 a different type of rice for this recipe?
While Arborio rice is recommended for its creamy consistency, you can use other short-grain rices, like Carnaroli, for similar results. Long-grain rice may not give the same creamy texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and omitting the cheese or using a plant-based cheese. The dish will still maintain a lovely flavor with the sage.
What can I do with leftover rice?
Leftover rice can be repurposed into delicious fried rice by adding vegetables and a protein of your choice. Alternatively, mix it into soups or salads for added texture. It can also be a base for a rice bowl topped with your favorite ingredients.
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).