Pesto rice is a tasty mix of basil pesto and rice. It’s an easy dish that goes well with grilled chicken, fish, or veggies. You can also enjoy it alone for a quick and satisfying meal. It adds a fresh flavor to your dining experience and is simple to make.
Pesto is a vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It adds a burst of herby, nutty, and cheesy goodness to dishes, making them more flavorful and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Pesto Rice:
Here are all ingredients that help you to make pesto rice:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
How to make pesto rice (Instructions):
- Prepare the Rice Cooker: You can keep rinsing rice in cold water until the water is clean. In a rice cooker, add washed rice and water.
- Add Flavors: Stir in pesto, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the regular rice cooking setting. Allow it to cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquids.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the pesto rice warm as a delightful side dish or base for your preferred protein.
- Enjoy: Indulge in the vibrant flavors of pesto rice, savoring the deliciousness with each bite!
Why You’ll Adore This Dish:
Pesto rice brings together the aromatic essence of basil pesto and the fluffiness of rice, crafting a dish that’s both uncomplicated and bursting with flavor. Pesto Rice recipe is not only easy to follow but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect sidekick for any meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
You can squeeze the extra pesto rice into an insulated container and keep it at room temperature of up to 3 days. Put the microwave or stovetop on when you’re heating it and, if necessary, add some water to revive its moisture.
Serving Delights:
Pair your pesto rice with a variety of main dishes, from grilled chicken and fish to roasted vegetables. Alternatively, relish it solo for a swift and gratifying meal.
Make your pesto rice adventure by adding diced tomatoes, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra kick. For a heartier twist, toss in some cooked shrimp or chicken.
EQUIPMENT:
Top Pro Tips:
Certainly! Here are some top pro tips to make pesto rice more yummy and healthy:
- Fresh Pesto, Fresh Flavors: Opt for freshly made pesto for the most vibrant and robust flavors. If you don’t have homemade pesto, high-quality store-bought options work well too.
- Balance the Tang: Fine-tune the tanginess by adjusting the amount of balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. Start with the recommended quantities and add more if you desire an extra kick.
- Experiment with Herbs: Increase the number of herbs by adding pesto rice. A series of layers of complexity in the flavor profile can be added by new basil, parsley and a hint of thyme.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a nice crunch to the pesto rice with slices of toasted pine nuts or slivers of almonds shortly before serving..
- Cheese, Please: For a cheesy twist, grate some Parmesan or Pecorino cheese into the rice before fluffing it up. The cheese will melt into the warm rice, creating a creamy and savory experience.
- Protein Boost: Transform your pesto rice into a complete meal by adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu. The rice serves as a versatile canvas for a variety of proteins.
- Play with Texture: Enhance the texture by tossing in diced tomatoes for a juicy burst or roasted bell peppers for a smoky touch.
- Art of Fluffing: When fluffing the rice, be gentle to maintain the individual grain integrity. This ensures a light and airy texture in every spoonful.
- Double Batch Magic: Prepare a larger batch and store portions in the freezer for quick and convenient future meals. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
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Pesto Rice
Equipment
- Rice Cooker
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons And cups
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup Long-grain basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- ¼ cup Pesto
- 1 tsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Cooker: You can keep rinsing rice in cold water until the water is clean. In a rice cooker, add washed rice and water.
- Add Flavors: Stir in pesto, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the regular rice cooking setting. Allow it to cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquids.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the pesto rice warm as a delightful side dish or base for your preferred protein.
- Enjoy: Indulge in the vibrant flavors of pesto rice, savoring the deliciousness with each bite!
Notes
Why You’ll Adore This Dish
Pesto rice brings together the aromatic essence of basil pesto and the fluffiness of rice, crafting a dish that’s both uncomplicated and bursting with flavor. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect sidekick for any meal.Storage and Reheating Tips
You can squeeze the extra pesto rice into an insulated container and keep it at room temperature of up to 3 days. Put the microwave or stovetop on when you’re heating it and, if necessary, add some water to revive its moisture.
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