Are you looking for an easy and delicious side dish to elevate your weeknight dinners? Look no further! This butter and herb rice recipe is incredibly quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements almost any main course. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you! It's one of those healthy meals that tastes unbelievably good, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
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Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water (or broth), butter, salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using).
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Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat and simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
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Fluff and stir in herbs: After 15-18 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the chopped parsley, chives, and thyme.
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Serve: Serve immediately as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein and vegetables. This makes a wonderful addition to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple steak.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter and Herb Rice:
- Use good quality butter: The butter is the star of this dish, so using a high-quality butter will make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will be mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Adjust herbs to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs based on your preference. You could also experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
Variations:
- Garlic Butter Rice: Increase the amount of minced garlic to 2-3 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Lemon Herb Rice: Add the zest and juice of ½ a lemon along with the herbs.
- Cheesy Herb Rice: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese after fluffing the rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This butter and herb rice recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy!