Vegan Basil Rice Pilaf or Basil Fried Rice

It was time to harvest some of my fresh basil. I already had made basil appetizers, but I needed more uses for basil. I had about a cup of left-over rice and thought, “A rice pilaf recipe!” I have made quite a few rice pilaf recipes which some I liked and others I really didn’t. This one tasted amazing! It is also very easy and fast to make. The one thing I did different this time is to not use a chicken or beef broth, which makes this a vegan rice pilaf recipe. Instead, I added additional extra virgin olive oil. You can make a meal of it by adding egg for protein, if you are not on a vegan diet. You will see photos of both versions below. This is a must try!

 

Vegan Basil Rice Pilaf

51

Yield: Makes 1-2 servings.

Vegan Basil Rice Pilaf

A flavorful vegan rice pilaf with or without nuts; or add chopped scrambled egg and create a fried rice version. Delicious either way.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1/8 - 1/4 yellow onion
  • 6-8 small to medium sized fresh basil** leaves (the more the better)
  • Extra virgin olive oil*
  • Slivered nuts: pine nuts, almonds, etc. (optional)

Instructions:

    For Rice Pilaf
  1. Chop onion and basil in a small food processor or by hand.
  2. Saute in a preheated, oiled pan until onion is translucent.
  3. Add extra oil, enough to coat rice.
  4. Add left over rice until warm.
  5. Serve warm.
  6. For Basil Fried Rice Version
  7. Set rice pilaf aside.
  8. Scramble one egg in same frying pan.
  9. Chop in bite small pieces.
  10. Add to rice mixture and toss.
  11. Serve warm.

Tips

*Extra virgin olive oil contain approximately 120 calories per tablespoon - so you be the judge.

**Basil is loaded with Vitamin K.

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