Celebrate the season with this vibrant and hearty Festive Rice. This one-pot wonder combines fluffy long-grain rice with tender broccoli florets, sweet carrot slices, and crisp red bell peppers. The dish is simmered in low-sodium chicken broth for deep savory flavor, then enriched with a touch of butter and fresh parsley for a bright, home-cooked finish. It’s an easy-to-prepare side dish that brings warmth and color to any meal, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or casual weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, family-friendly plate that everyone will love.
Festive Rice
Description
Celebrate the season with this vibrant and hearty Festive Rice. This one-pot wonder combines fluffy long-grain rice with tender broccoli florets, sweet carrot slices, and crisp red bell peppers. The dish is simmered in low-sodium chicken broth for deep savory flavor, then enriched with a touch of butter and fresh parsley for a bright, home-cooked finish. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy-to-prepare side dish that brings warmth and color to any meal, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or casual weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, family-friendly plate that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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In a medium non-stick saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
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Add the converted long-grain rice to the boiling broth.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter-flavored spread (Molly McButter), broccoli florets, carrot slices, and julienned red bell pepper.
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Cover the saucepan and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and rice is cooked.
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Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow remaining liquid to be absorbed.
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Sprinkle with remaining butter-flavored spread and minced fresh parsley.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 239.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.0g19%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Cholesterol 89.0mg30%
- Sodium 82.0mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 27.0g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best texture, ensure the rice is converted long-grain as it holds up well during simmering.
You can substitute the butter-flavored spread with regular butter or margarine if preferred.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
