Ingredients
Rice & Aromatics
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Mushrooms
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
Liquid & Seasonings
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice – Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs nearly clear. This removes excess starch so your rice cooks up fluffy, not sticky.
- Prep Vegetables – Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms so they’re ready for quick cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms – Heat olive oil over medium in a large skillet or pot. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook 5–6 minutes until they’ve released moisture and are golden brown.
- Add Spices and Rice – Sprinkle in thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat. Pour in the rinsed rice, gently mixing and letting it toast in the pan for 1–2 minutes for extra depth of flavor.
- Pour in Broth – Slowly add the broth and the optional soy sauce. Give everything a gentle stir and bring to a low boil.
- Simmer – Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Don’t lift the lid! The steam ensures even cooking.
- Steam Off Heat – Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows any remaining liquid to absorb fully and gives fluffier grains.
- Fluff and Garnish – Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot as a main or side!
Notes
- Choose long-grain or basmati rice for the best texture.
- Always rinse rice to avoid clumping.
- Add soy sauce for umami depth, but it’s optional.
- For creamier rice, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of coconut milk at the end.
- Bulk up with spinach, peas, or add protein like tofu or chicken for a heartier meal.
- To make this dish fully vegan, use vegetable broth and skip any butter finishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
