Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Dive into the world of plant-based cooking with our Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Rice! This vibrant and creamy dish is a perfect blend of wholesome brown rice, fresh broccoli, and the rich, cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more greens to your plate, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food that’s both satisfying and guilt-free!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy texture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, chop broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. You can use a steamer basket or microwave with a small amount of water.
- Once rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then add olive oil, stirring to coat the grains evenly.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli florets gently into the rice.
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rice and broccoli mixture, stirring to distribute the "cheesy" flavor thoroughly.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy vegan rice dish immediately.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your brown rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture you desire.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: Keep an eye on your rice while it simmers. If you find it’s absorbing water too quickly, feel free to add a splash more to prevent burning.
- Broccoli Bliss: For the best flavor and texture, chop your broccoli into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and mix well with the rice.
- Steaming Technique: If you’re short on time, steaming the broccoli in the microwave can save you a few minutes. Just add a splash of water and cover it to retain steam.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice, making it even fluffier.
- Nutritional Yeast Magic: Don’t be shy with the nutritional yeast! It’s the star ingredient that gives this dish its cheesy flavor, so sprinkle generously to taste.
- Season to Perfection: Taste your dish before serving! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your palate.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Rice hot for the best flavor. It also makes great leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
