brown rice Archives - Pure and Plant-Based

Easy step-by-step instructions on how to cook brown rice perfectly on the stove in just 4 steps. Never have mushy or crunchy brown rice again.

Brown rice is an incredibly healthy whole grain that is a great addition to any diet. This nutrient dense grain has a multitude of health benefits however, it can be difficult to properly cook. It either turns out far too mushy or crunchy.

It’s a fine balance when trying to cook brown rice. Getting the perfect consistency and texture can seem almost impossible. For years we tried everything from an instant pot and crock pot to a rice cooker and yet nothing seemed to do the trick. It wasn’t until I tried this method that the brown rice came out perfect every time without fail. Plus, this can all be done on the stove top with no need for any additional appliances.

Method

1. Start by putting rice into a fine mesh strainer. Run the rice under running water and rinse thoroughly. This rinses off the starches as well as lot of the toxins present in rice. Rinsing off the starches helps prevent the rice from getting too sticky.

2. Add the rice to a saucepan and cover completely with water. Similar to how you would when you are cooking pasta.

3. Next, boil the rice on medium heat for about 45 minutes. Around the 40 minute mark take a spoon and test the rice. If you like your rice softer you can let cook for a few minutes longer and take off sooner if you prefer firmer rice.

4. Once the rice if finished cooking, drain the water. Put the rice back into the strainer and rinse thoroughly. Once rinsed, the rice is finished and you can continue with your recipe.

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Recipes with Brown Rice

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Deliciously creamy plant-based broccoli rice casserole that is packed with nutrients. This vegan recipe is a powerhouse of nutritious ingredients. It tastes like a traditional, extra cheesy broccoli casserole without the incredibly over-processed cheese sauce. Instead, this no-cheese cheese sauce is full of hidden vegetables and plant-based protein that pairs perfectly with broccoli and brown rice.

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A cheesy broccoli rice casserole that is completely plant-based, made with only whole foods and that is absolutely delicious! This recipe is perfect for trying to sneak in more vegetables at dinner time. The ‘cheese’ sauce is made using sweet potatoes which gives it that perfect golden-orange cheese color while also having an abundance of nutrients.

Unlike traditional broccoli and rice casserole, this recipe consists of only healthy ingredients. All of which are whole foods and straight form nature itself. Meaning no canned cheese or those that somehow last for years with a laundry list of illegible ingredients.

Cashews, broccoli and sweet potatoes are all excellent sources of protein. In addition, the sweet potatoes add fiber among various other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, C and antioxidants.

The brown rice provides a heart healthy whole grain that is also high in fiber. This healthy carbohydrate gives you a boost of energy and keeps you feeling fuller longer.

Furthermore, the onion and garlic cloves work provide various vitamins (B6, C) and minerals while working to help boost your immune system.

Try These Other Great Brown Rice Recipes

As if you needed any more reasons to try this recipe, it is absolutely delicious and super easy to make. It is also suitable for wfpb and is even gluten free.

5 from 1 vote

Plant-Based Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Deliciously creamy plant-based broccoli rice casserole that is incredibly healthy. This recipe is a powerhouse of nutritious ingredients while also tasting like a traditional, cheesy broccoli casserole without the incredibly over-processed cheese sauce. Instead, this no-cheese cheese sauce is full of hidden vegetables and plant-based protein and pairs perfectly with the broccoli and brown rice.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Plant-Based, Vegan

Keyword broccoli, brown rice, cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

1.5 lb broccoli
2 cups dry brown rice
2 sweet potatoes
1 large onion
5 garlic cloves
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup almond milk + more if needed
1 tsp paprika
salt to taste
sprinkle cayenne pepper *optional if you like some spice

Instructions

Begin cooking brown rice. See instructions below.
Making the 'cheese' sauce: Add cashews to a sauce pan. Fill with water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and let sit, (10-15 minutes) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. If you have a high powered blender like this vitamix, you can skip this step completely.
Peel sweet potatoes and chop into small cubes. Add to a small pot over medium to high heat and cover with water.
Once the water begins to boil, finely dice the onion and add to the pot with the sweet potato. Let boil for 25 minutes until soft.
Once the sweet potato and onion are finished cooking, let cool. Add cashews, almond milk, (1/2 cup or more. Just make sure the cashews are covered,) nutritional yeast, salt, paprika and cayenne (optional) to blender. Blend until smooth. Then, add sweet potato and onion and blend until everything is combined. Set 'cheese' sauce aside.
Next, steam broccoli for 3-5 minutes until soft or at desired texture.
When everything has finished cooking, add brown rice, broccoli and 'cheese' sauce to large bowl. Stir until everything is well-incorporated.

How to Cook Brown Rice

Put rice into a strainer and rinse thoroughly.
Add rice to a pot on the stove and cover with water. You are going to be cooking the rice like you would pasta. This further removes any toxins from the rice and cooks it perfectly.
Let boil on medium heat for 45 minutes or until the rice is at desired textured.
Once it is finished cooking, drain the water and rinse the rice again with a strainer. Put the rice back in the pot and continue with recipe.