Healthy Brown Rice Pilaf

Look, if you are purchasing boxes of Rice A Roni or Uncle Ben's, I strongly encourage you to stop and try making your own version from scratch. It is 100 times healthier and much easier than you think. I am not knocking anyone that buys the boxed versions, but I think if you just tried this, you might find you would not have a need to buy the processed versions. Your body will thank you!

This brown rice pilaf is a great side dish to pork, chicken, or turkey. Brown rice is a wonderful whole grain that gives you a lot of nutrition in a small serving. This rice pilaf was served with grilled bbq chicken and some roasted broccoli. I put a serving of rice on my plate and topped it with a bbq chicken breast so that I can enjoy the chicken and rice together and it was tasty.

Healthy Brown Rice Pilaf
Serves: 4 to 6 (feel free to cut recipe in half if there are only 2 or 3 of you)
Adapted by: http://www.food.com/recipe/brown-rice-pilaf-364493

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups long grain brown rice, uncooked
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
-In a large sauce pan, saute the onion and green bell pepper in olive oil until tender.
-Add the rice and garlic; cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes or until rice is lightly browned, but not burnt
-Add the water, broth, thyme and pepper.
-Stir mixture together and bring to a boil.
-Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-Remove the lid and let rice sit for 3 to 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork.
-Serve

Enjoy! :)