Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice

Toasted Herbed Rice Recipe with Chicken Broth and Green Onions

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of toasted rice with the aromatic herbs and savory chicken broth to create a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of toasted herbed rice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Mediterranean cuisine. The process of toasting the rice before cooking adds a depth of flavor that is unique to this dish.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of butter
1.75 cups of uncooked converted long-grained rice (like Uncle Ben's)
2 cans (14 oz or 397 g each) of chicken broth
0.25 tsp of salt
6 green onions, chopped
1 tsp of dried basil
0.33 cup of toasted pine nuts
garnish: fresh basil sprig

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté for 4 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
Combine the sautéed rice, broth, and the next 3 ingredients in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Stir in the pine nuts.
Garnish if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Use different herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the rice until it is golden brown before adding it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the dish.

- Use high-quality chicken broth for the best results. Homemade broth is always preferred, but store-bought broth will work as well.

- Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less basil, or even add other herbs like thyme or oregano.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is toasting the rice before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the dish and adds a depth of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- If you don't have pine nuts, you can use slivered almonds or chopped walnuts instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the toasted rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it in the slow cooker. Just add the broth and cook as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice in a large serving bowl garnished with a sprig of fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice is a good source of vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and nuts (pine nuts).

Summary

Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. With its nutty flavor, aromatic herbs, and savory chicken broth, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a recipe caught my eye: Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice. The combination of flavors and simplicity of the dish intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I remember my grandmother telling me stories of her own culinary adventures and the recipes she had collected over the years. She was a master in the kitchen, and I always looked up to her as my cooking mentor. I knew that this recipe would be a new addition to my repertoire, and I couldn't wait to make it my own.

As I read through the recipe, I could almost smell the fragrant herbs and spices that would infuse the rice as it cooked slowly in the crockpot. The thought of the toasted rice, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, made my mouth water. I could already imagine the dish being a hit at the next family gathering, with everyone asking for the recipe.

I gathered the ingredients - long grain rice, chicken broth, butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves - and set to work. I sautéed the rice in butter until it was lightly golden and fragrant, then transferred it to the crockpot. I added the chicken broth, garlic, and herbs, giving the mixture a gentle stir before covering and setting the crockpot to low.

As the rice cooked, the aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely heavenly. The herbs and garlic mingled together, creating a tantalizing scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish and share it with my family.

After a few hours, I lifted the lid of the crockpot and beheld a sight that made my heart sing. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain fluffy and infused with the flavors of the herbs and garlic. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the taste of the dish that I had created. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking arsenal, a dish that I would make time and time again for my loved ones. The simplicity of the recipe belied the complexity of the flavors, and I knew that it would impress even the most discerning palates.

As I shared the Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice with my family, I watched their faces light up with delight. They all raved about the dish, asking for seconds and begging me for the recipe. I smiled proudly, knowing that I had created something truly special.

From that day on, the recipe for Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice became a beloved favorite in our family. It was a dish that brought us together, a dish that reminded us of the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. And every time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the legacy of culinary excellence that she passed down to me.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting side dish, give Crockpot Toasted Herbed Rice a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe down to your own loved ones, creating a culinary tradition that will endure for generations to come.