Savory Rice with Apple Garden Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cup Long-grain white rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
• 1 Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 cup Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 3 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 cup Mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 Apple (thinly sliced, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 0.5 Cucumber (sliced)
• 3 tbsp Vinaigrette dressing (your choice of dressing)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.

3. 3

   Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the grains in the tomato mixture.

4. 4

   Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

5. 5

   While the rice cooks, prepare the salad by combining the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and sliced apples in a large bowl.

6. 6

   Toss the salad with your preferred vinaigrette dressing just before serving.

7. 7

   Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm alongside the fresh apple salad.

Notes

The addition of apple to the salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory rice. For extra protein, this dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• rice
• salad
• vegetarian
• healthy
• lunch
• dinner