- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces chopped mushrooms (I often use baby bellas or cremini mushrooms; button or a mix work well, too)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion*
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (6-1/2 ounces) long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth** (use vegetable stock for a vegetarian meal)
- 1/4 teaspoon each kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon fresh, minced***
- Optional topping: crumbled blue cheese, grated Parmesan or Asiago, shredded mozzarella, Italian blend, or other cheese of choice
Oven Baked Brown Rice with Vegetables
Earthy mushrooms and a few other convenient ingredients turn basic brown rice into a special side dish.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a pan with a tight-fitting lid that can go from stovetop to oven, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes or until they are browned and beginning to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30-60 seconds or until you can smell the garlic but it is not turning brown.
- Add the rice and stir until coated. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Carefully, pour in the broth, increase the heat, and bring to a boil.
- As soon as the mixture boils, remove from the heat, cover, and bake for 45 minutes or until the broth is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. If you’d like to top with the optional cheese, quickly sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup overtop, and replace the lid.
Notes
- *On occasion, I have replaced the onion half with the chopped white and light green parts of one leek.
- **If using a standard 14.5-ounce can of broth, this will be just under 2 cups. You can make up the difference with water–or even white wine if you have some on hand. No need to open a second can for the scant quarter cup still needed.
- ***If you do not have thyme on hand, or if you’re simply not a fan, the rice will still be delicious without. You could also substitute Italian seasoning.