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Easy Mediterranean Tomato Brown Rice Pilaf

Easy Mediterranean Tomato Brown Rice Pilaf

Fluffy brown rice simmered with tomatoes, aromatics, and warm Mediterranean spices, then finished with fresh herbs and lemon for a bright, wholesome side or light main.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown rice, long-grain rinsed
  • 1.75 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon toasted pine nuts optional, for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Rinse the brown rice under cool water until it runs mostly clear; drain well.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the rice and tomato paste; stir to coat the grains and lightly toast, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; stir and bring to a boil.
  • Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and fluff with a fork.
  • Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with toasted pine nuts to serve.

Notes

For a quicker version, substitute white long-grain rice and reduce broth to 2.0 cups; simmer about 15 to 18 minutes. You can swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if preferred.