Garlic Herb Basmati Rice (Printable)

Fragrant basmati rice with garlic, fresh herbs and lemon zest, served with tender roasted broccolini.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup basmati rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fresh Herbs

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Roasted Broccolini

11 - 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting broccolini.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine broccolini with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Arrange evenly on a baking sheet.
03 - Roast broccolini for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until tender with light charring.
04 - Rinse basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
05 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
06 - Add rinsed rice, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to evenly coat grains with garlic-infused oil.
07 - Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove rice from heat. Keep covered and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff grains gently with a fork.
09 - Fold in chopped parsley, dill, chives, and lemon zest until well distributed throughout the rice.
10 - Present herb-infused basmati rice warm, topped with roasted broccolini.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The rice is way more fragrant than plain rice and takes almost no extra effort—promise I wont tell if you take credit for it looking fancy.
  • The roasted broccolini comes out with golden edges that make it just as tempting as fries but far greener.
02 -
  • If you try to rush the rice and peek under the lid, you’ll let out the steam—it won’t come out as fluffy.
  • Combining herbs off the heat keeps their flavors vibrant; adding them too soon mutes the taste.
03 -
  • Let the rice rest before fluffing—it finishes steaming and stays light.
  • Lining your baking tray with parchment means zero broccolini stuck to the pan.

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