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Herb Rice is a delicious and simple side dish, perfect for almost every recipe. Use fresh or dried herbs to give this dish amazing flavor.
Rice is a staple at our house. I am not a potato fan and will always pick rice over a potato. I love the versatility of this herb rice recipe, you can change up the flavor just by changing the herb combination you use. The addition of lemon juice to this rice gives it even more flavor. It is the perfect thing to serve with chicken, pork,or beef.
It is also a fun recipe to play with and get creative with. Change up the herb combination depending on what you have in your spice drawer or herb garden.
Ingredients Needed
- Rice. Use a long grain rice such as basmati or jasmine.
- Chicken broth. You can also use water or beef broth. Broth adds more flavor to the rice.
- Herbs. Use fresh or dried herbs. For fresh herbs use two times the amount of dried herbs.
- Lemon Juice. Fresh squeezed lemon juice. If you aren’t a fan of lemon this can be left out.
- Onion. I use dried onion but you can use 1/4 cup of fresh onion.
- Seasoning. Salt, pepper and garlic.
How to make Herb Rice
- Rinse rice to remove starch coating on rice.
- In a pan over medium heat melt butter and add in onion as well as salt and pepper.
- Stir until onion is soft.
- Add in garlic and cook for one minute more.
- Add in chicken broth and lemon juice and herb combination and bring to a boil. I used 1 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp thyme and 1 tsp parsley.
- Add in the rice.
- Stir until mixed together.
- Cover and reduce heat.
- Cook covered for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Let sit for 10 minutes with lid on.
- Garnish with some fresh herbs if desired.
How to Substitute Dried Herbs for Fresh Herbs
You can use fresh herbs or dry herbs with this herb rice recipe. A rule of thumb is to use 2 times as much fresh herb as you would use of a dried herb. So if the recipe calls for 1 tsp dried parsley, use 2 tsp. fresh parsley.
fresh herbs for dried herbs, rather than the other way around but this recipe works well with both. I often use dried herbs in the rice and then garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley.
Favorite Herb Combinations
I have used rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano and parsley. Any combination of these is great!
Tips for Perfect Rice
- Bring water or broth to a full boil before adding rice.
- Try not to peek during the cooking time as it releases heat and slows down the cooking process.
- After cooking time, allow the rice to rest. Remove from heat, lift the lid and drape a dry, clean folded towel or paper towel over the top of the pot. Put the lid back on. The towel will absorb any excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the rice. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes so the moisture can redistribute and fully absorb.
Other recipes that use herbs include:
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Herb Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried onion or ¼ C finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper a few shakes
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cup basmati rice
- 1/2 tsp rosemary, basil, thyme, dill (use less dill), oregano, or parsley use your favorite combo, If using fresh herbs use 2 times as much. Only use 3-4 different herbs at a time.
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat melt butter and add in onion as well as salt and pepper.
- Stir until onion is soft.
- Add in garlic and cook for one minute more.
- Add in chicken broth and lemon juice and herb combination and bring to a boil. I used 1 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp thyme and 1 tsp parsley.
- Add in the rice.
- Stir until mixed together. Cover and reduce heat.
- Cook covered for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Garnish with some fresh herbs if desired
Tips & Notes:
- Bring water or broth to a full boil before adding rice.
- Try not to peek during the cooking time as it releases heat and slows down the cooking process.
- After cooking time, allow the rice to rest. Remove from heat, lift the lid and drape a dry, clean folded towel or paper towel over the top of the pot. Put the lid back on. The towel will absorb any excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the rice. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes so the moisture can redistribute and fully absorb.
Nutrition Facts:
Gwen says
So easy and soooo tasty. Everyone loved it! Will be in my rotation. Thanks!
Jan says
This recipe sounds amazing. If I am substituting fresh herbs for dry, I know you said to double them but would I put them in where you said in the instructions or would it be later in the recipe as usually you lose the flavour of fresh herbs when they are cooked too long. I would like to use fresh rosemary and thyme. Thank you.