Toasted Brown Rice with Caramelized Onions and Peas

I’m just going to say it: Rice is not a sexy blog post. Cakes get loads of likes, and a perfectly grilled steak has people licking their computer screens, but rice? People overlook the post with casual indifference. Meh. Just rice.

Toasted Brown Rice Is Your Friend

But let me tell you, when we sit down at the table, what dish is emptied first? Yep, you guessed it. The rice. Because rice is your best friend. You love it! (I love it too!)

We make loads of rice here at the ranch, and you can count on finding a batch of chicken stock in the fridge set aside for just such recipes. Unfortunately, rice isn’t a dish that works well as a leftover. No prob though. We never seem to have any leftover rice.

I don’t make brown rice too often, but when I do, I wonder why it isn’t top of my list. Nutty, with a slightly chewy texture, brown rice can be used in soups or alongside a savory stew.

Prepare Like Traditional Mexican Rice

Brown rice can be prepared just like traditional Mexican style rice, as you will see in this recipe. Mexican rice is usually toasted before the liquid is added. When toasting brown rice, you will definitely notice an even nuttier flavor, which pairs exceptionally well with the caramelized onions.

Make sure you caramelize the onions first before you prepare your rice. The browned onions will leave a lot of extra flavor in the pan, which is a good thing. So delicious. I always make extra caramelized onions, as I snack on them while I am finishing up the meal!

You can add other chopped vegetables if you like, such as a couple of peeled diced carrots or eggplant, tomatoes. If you need a vegetarian dish, switch out the chicken broth for either water or veggie broth. And make sure you check our recipe for Classic Mexican Style Adobo, which pairs wonderfully well with this brown rice side dish.

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