Sesame Brown Rice Pilaf With Garlic and Vegetables

A one-pot vegetarian meal

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups brown basmati rice (or other long grain brown rice)
• 4  garlic cloves, crushed through a press
• 3  cups water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup broccoli floret
• 1  cup  cut green beans
• 1  cup  diced  yellow squash
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely shredded carrot
• 1⁄3 cup  diced red bell pepper
• 1  tablespoon  hulled sesame seeds, toasted in a dry skillet
• 1  teaspoon  dark sesame oil

Directions

1. Combine the onion and oil in a large shallow saucepan (with a tight fitting lid).
2. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until onion is golden.
3. Stir in the rice and cook 1 minute.
4. Add in the garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
5. Add the water; bring to a boil; add in the salt, stir thoroughly, cover and cook 35-40 minutes or until almost all the liquid is absorbed (do not stir).
6. Uncover the pot and while it is still on the heat, sprinkle the broccoli, green beans, squash, carrot, and red bell pepper evenly over the surface of the rice.
7. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the rice is cooked.
8. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and drizzle with the sesame oil.
9. Spoon into a serving dish and serve immediately.