17+ Holiday Brown Rice Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 5, 2024

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. It's also a time for delicious food and indulging in our favorite dishes. While traditional holiday meals can be heavy and calorie-laden, there are ways to incorporate healthier options without sacrificing taste. That's where this holiday brown rice recipe comes in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends during the holidays.

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Perfect Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Water, Salt

How to Cook Brown Rice - Perfect Fluffy Brown Rice!

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Brown rice is a staple food for many people, but it can often be difficult to get it just right. However, with this recipe for perfect brown rice, you will be able to enjoy fluffy and perfectly cooked rice every time. The key to this recipe is using the right ratio of water to rice and allowing it to steam for the perfect amount of time. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a base for your favorite protein and vegetables.

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Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Olive Oil, Garlic, Pine Nuts, Baby Spinach

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad - Ahead of Thyme

Take your brown rice to the next level with this delicious Mediterranean brown rice salad. Loaded with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor and nutrition. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. Get creative and add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

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Lentil Soup with Ground Beef and Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Finely Chopped Onion

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If you're looking for a hearty and healthy soup recipe, look no further than this lentil soup with ground beef and brown rice. This soup is loaded with protein and fiber from the lentils and ground beef, and the brown rice adds a satisfying texture and nutty flavor. It's the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day.

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Brown Rice Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Cherries

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Frozen Peas, Apple, Dried Cherries

Brown Rice Salad with Apple and Pecans - Thyme & Love

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This brown rice salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The apples and cherries add a touch of sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. It's a great side dish for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or tofu.

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Spinach and Feta Casserole with Brown Rice and Parmesan

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chop Frozen Spinach, Eggs, Buttermilk

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This spinach and feta casserole with brown rice and parmesan is a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. It's packed with protein and calcium from the spinach and feta cheese, and the brown rice adds a healthy dose of fiber. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Butternut Squash, Cranberry, Maple Tempeh Holiday...

Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Tempeh, Maple Syrup, Onion, Apple

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This butternut squash, cranberry, maple tempeh holiday dish is the perfect addition to your holiday table. It's packed with seasonal flavors and is a great alternative to traditional holiday dishes. The combination of butternut squash, cranberries, and maple tempeh is simply delicious and will leave your guests asking for the recipe. It's also a great vegetarian option for your holiday meal.

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Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Brown Rice, Small Onion, Chicken Broth

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This lemon parmesan brown rice is a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs well with almost any protein. The combination of tangy lemon and salty parmesan cheese adds a delicious twist to plain brown rice. It's a perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chicken Bouillon Cube, Bay Leaves, Cayenne

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Put a spin on traditional dirty rice by using brown rice instead of white. This dirty brown rice with shrimp is full of Cajun flavors and is a healthier alternative to the classic dish. The combination of spices, vegetables, and protein makes this dish a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.

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Instant Pot Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Water

Instant Pot Brown Rice - Life Made Simple

Instant Pot Brown Rice - The Baker Upstairs

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If you're short on time, this instant pot brown rice recipe is the perfect solution. With the help of your trusty instant pot, you can have perfectly cooked brown rice in just a fraction of the time it takes to cook on the stovetop. Use it as a base for your favorite stir-fries, salads, or as a side dish for any meal.

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Brown Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Onion Powder, Chopped Celery

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This brown rice casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Loaded with vegetables, protein, and cheese, this casserole is a complete meal on its own. It's also a great way to use up any leftovers you have in your fridge.

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Mexican Brown Rice Bake – Gluten Free

Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken Breasts, Brown Rice, Refried Beans

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If you're looking for a delicious and gluten-free dinner option, this Mexican brown rice bake is a must-try. Packed with Mexican flavors and loaded with protein and vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Top it with your favorite toppings, like avocado, salsa, and sour cream.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Brown Rice Holiday Salad

Main Ingredients: Dressing, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pure Maple Syrup

Roasted Butternut Squash {with Garlic and Herbs} - Cooking Classy

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This Butternut Squash Brown Rice is a warm salad studded with ...

This roasted butternut squash brown rice holiday salad is a festive and flavorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season. Loaded with seasonal ingredients and tossed in a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is a delicious addition to any holiday table. It's also a great option for a vegetarian holiday meal.

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Brown Rice Stir-fry With Vegetables

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Red Cabbage, Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper

Chicken Fried Rice {Fast & Easy Recipe} – WellPlated.com

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This brown rice stir-fry with vegetables is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce, this stir-fry is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. Add your favorite protein, like chicken, tofu, or shrimp, for a complete meal.

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Toasted Brown Rice with Mushrooms & Thyme

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Brown Rice

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This toasted brown rice with mushrooms and thyme is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme adds a delicious depth of flavor to the nutty brown rice. Enjoy it as a side dish or add some chicken or tofu for a complete meal.

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Quick Mexican Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Olive Oil, Onion, Plum Tomatoes, Jalapeno

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If you're in need of a quick and easy side dish, this quick Mexican brown rice is the perfect solution. It's packed with Mexican flavors and can be ready in just 20 minutes. Top it with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

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Healthy Fried Brown Rice (Vegan)

Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Water, Olive Oil, Onion, Baby Bok Choy

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This healthy fried brown rice is a delicious and vegan-friendly option for a quick and easy dinner. Loaded with vegetables and protein from tofu, this fried rice is a complete meal that is packed with nutrition. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

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5 Ingredient Mexican Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Corn, Black Beans, Brown Rice, Chili Powder, Salsa

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With just 5 simple ingredients, this Mexican brown rice is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of Mexican spices and flavors makes this rice a great addition to any Mexican-inspired dish. It's also a great way to use up any leftover rice you have in your fridge.

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Chicken with Brown Rice and Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Flour, Medium Onion, Celery, Mushrooms

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This chicken with brown rice and mushrooms is a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, nutty brown rice, and earthy mushrooms makes this dish a flavorful and comforting option for dinner. Feel free to use your favorite type of mushrooms, like shiitake or cremini.

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Tuscan Mediterranean Brown Rice

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garbanzo, Medium Zucchini, Sea Salt, Garlic

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This Tuscan Mediterranean brown rice is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. Loaded with Mediterranean flavors and packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas and brown rice, this dish is a complete meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try topping it with some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

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Easy Brown Rice with Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Brown Rice, Low Sodium Vegetable

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This easy brown rice with mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender mushrooms and nutty brown rice makes this a delicious side dish for any meal. It's also a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.

Why Choose Brown Rice?

Nutrient-Packed Alternative

When it comes to rice, brown rice is the healthier option. Unlike white rice, which has been stripped of its outer layer, brown rice retains its bran and germ, making it a whole grain. This means it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, digestion, and overall well-being.

Low Glycemic Index

Another advantage of brown rice is its low glycemic index (GI). The GI measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Brown rice has a lower GI compared to white rice, making it a better option for those watching their blood sugar levels.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups of brown rice
4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

In a medium pot, bring the water or broth to a boil.
Add the brown rice, fresh herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Give it a stir, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
Let the rice simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the rice and fluff it with a fork.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Customize Your Recipe

Switch Up the Herbs

While this recipe calls for thyme, rosemary, and sage, feel free to use any fresh herbs you have on hand. Other great options include parsley, oregano, and basil. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

Add Some Protein

For a heartier dish, you can add some protein to the rice, such as diced chicken, tofu, or beans. This will also provide a complete amino acid profile and make the dish more filling.

Make It Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the olive oil. You can also add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas, to make it a complete and nutritious meal.

Conclusion

This holiday brown rice recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional holiday dishes. With its nutrient-packed and low GI benefits, it's a great addition to any holiday menu. So, instead of reaching for the mashed potatoes or stuffing, give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with a flavorful and nutritious dish.