Broccoli Rice Pilaf ~ two ways to cook it!

If you are like me, you need fresh things to eat, fast. And, if you are like me, you LOVE your carbs on the side (as the main course, for dessert, etc. Ha!) Well this is a delicious side dish that combines pasta AND rice (yikes! ;) ) but injects a little more green veg into your meal. 


So I am showing you how to prepare this meal two ways: 1) with a rice maker/steamer or 2) on the stove, in a shallow sauce pan. Either way, it's pretty quick & very delish! 


Brocoli Rice Pilaf

• 1 TBSp Butter
• 1 small Shallot, diced very small
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup vermicelli Pasta, broken into small pieces (twice the size of a piece of rice)
• 1 & 1/2 cups white Rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 & 1/2 cups Broccoli florets
• *Spritz of fresh Lemon (*Optional)

Ricemaker/Steamer Directions: Place the pat of butter into the rice bowl, turn "on". Allow to melt then add the shallot for a minute. Stirring with a non-scatching spoon or spatula. Add the garlic, cook another minute. Add the pasta pieces & allow to brown. Place in the rice & water. Put the steamer section on top of the rice cooking bowl & add the broccoli florets to the steamer. Cook as instructed for the rice. When done, combine the broccoli & the rice mixture together, tossing. If you would like, spritz it with some fresh lemon juice. Serve & enjoy! 

Stove top Directions: Place the pat of butter into a shallow sauce pan on medium-low. When it has melted, add the shallot & saute for a minute. Add the garlic & the vermicelli pieces, stirring. Allow the pasta to brown. Add in the rice, then the water. Let the liquid come to a boil, lower the heat, cover & simmer, stirring occasionally until the water has evaporated, the rice, cooked. 

Meanwhile cook the broccoli on a separate burner in a steamer basket or steam it in the microwave. When done, combine it with the cooked rice mixture. If you would like, spritz it with some fresh lemon juice. Serve & enjoy!

<3 Lishie