If you're looking to elevate your dinner table with a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance, look no further than our Lemony Rice with Toasted Almonds! This Mediterranean-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing delight for your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this aromatic rice dish in under 30 minutes. Imagine fluffy jasmine rice infused with zesty lemon and crunchy almonds, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a light main course on its own. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast it gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to help enhance the rice's nutty flavor.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the toasted rice. Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 12-14 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and create a fluffy texture.
- Uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly to distribute the bright, citrusy flavors.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the rice, gently folding them in to distribute evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rice, as it removes excess starch that can cause stickiness.
- Toast the Rice: When you toast the rinsed rice in olive oil for a couple of minutes, it enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to your dish. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning!
- Monitor the Heat: After bringing the broth to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the flavors without drying out.
- Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting; they can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir frequently to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking helps it finish steaming and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: After mixing in the lemon juice and zest, taste your rice and adjust the salt as needed. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference in flavor!
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
