Zesty Pesto Rice Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful pesto rice dish brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Vibrant green herbs blend seamlessly with fluffy grains, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners transform when simple ingredients come together with minimal effort.

Mediterranean influences shine through this uncomplicated yet sophisticated meal.

Fresh basil leaves and quality olive oil form the heart of this recipe’s charm.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

You’ll fall in love with the bright, aromatic essence that makes this pesto rice irresistible.

Let’s uncover the secret to making this mouthwatering meal that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why Delia Smith Pesto Rice Is So Simple And Tasty

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Transform plain rice into a vibrant, aromatic dish with homemade pesto that packs a punch of fresh basil and nutty Parmesan.
• Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Learn an easy technique to create a restaurant-quality side dish that impresses without complex cooking skills.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Perfectly pairs with grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or stands alone as a delicious vegetarian option for lunch or dinner.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delectable rice dish in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.

What Goes In Delia Smith Pesto Rice

• Rice: Provides the foundation for the pesto-flavored dish.
• Vegetable Stock: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the rice.

• Basil: Fresh herb that gives the classic pesto flavor.
• Pine Nuts: Adds nutty richness and creamy texture to the pesto.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend the pesto and adds smooth richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami depth to the pesto.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor.
• Extra Basil Leaves: Offers a fresh garnish and additional herb aroma.

Steps To Make Delia Smith Pesto Rice

Step 1: Warm the Vegetable Broth

Gently heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan, being careful not to let it reach a boiling point. The warm broth will help create a perfectly cooked and flavorful rice dish.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Pesto

• Fresh basil leaves
• Pine nuts
• Garlic
• Salt
• Olive oil

Blend until smooth, then fold in the Parmesan cheese to add a rich, creamy texture to the pesto.

Step 3: Coat Rice with Pesto Goodness

Take a few spoonfuls of the freshly made pesto and stir it into the dry rice, ensuring each grain is beautifully coated with the aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add the pesto-coated rice and salt to the warm broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Transfer the cooked rice to a serving bowl. Stir in the remaining pesto, a splash of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the dish’s complexity and brightness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the rice with fresh basil leaves, chopped green onions, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors!

Pro Tips For Cooking Delia Smith Pesto Rice

• Boost Pesto Flavor: Toast pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty, rich taste and release natural oils.
• Maintain Rice Texture: Use long-grain rice for fluffy, separated grains that absorb pesto perfectly without becoming mushy.
• Adjust Pesto Consistency: Add more olive oil if pesto seems too thick, ensuring smooth coating on rice and preventing dryness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a plant-based version that retains cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Herb Hack: Chop fresh basil just before adding to preserve vibrant color and maximize aromatic qualities in the final dish.

Ways To Switch Up Delia Smith Pesto Rice

• Vegan Pesto Rice: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use plant-based stock, and swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds.
• Mediterranean Herb Rice: Substitute basil with a mix of oregano, thyme, and parsley, add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Version: Use gluten-free vegetable stock, add red pepper flakes, mix in roasted red peppers for extra heat.
• Quinoa Pesto Alternative: Replace rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, nutrient-dense version of the original recipe.

Great Pairings For Delia Smith Pesto Rice

• Elevate Pesto Harmony: Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the herb-rich rice, cutting through its creamy texture.
• Protein Power Pairing: Grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon adds lean protein that balances the pesto's rich, nutty flavors and creates a complete meal.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery contrast and brighten the rice's herbal notes.
• Mediterranean Side Kick: Serve roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini to enhance the Italian-inspired profile and add colorful vegetable freshness.

How To Store Delia Smith Pesto Rice With Care

• Store leftover pesto rice in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Revive cold rice in a skillet with a splash of vegetable stock or water. Stir gently over medium heat until warmed through and creamy texture returns.
• Freeze pesto rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best flavor and texture.

Delia Smith Pesto Rice FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in pesto rice?

The key ingredients are basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, rice, and vegetable stock. Each ingredient contributes a unique flavor to create a delicious and aromatic dish.

• Is pesto rice considered a vegetarian dish?

Yes, this pesto rice recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It does not contain any meat or animal protein, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

• Can I make pesto rice ahead of time?

You can prepare the pesto and rice separately in advance. Mix them just before serving to maintain the fresh flavor and prevent the rice from becoming soggy.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine works perfectly. These rice varieties have a light, fluffy texture that absorbs the pesto flavors beautifully.

Pesto Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty pesto rice brings Mediterranean flavors together in one delightful comfort dish. Green herb-infused grains mingle with nutty parmesan, offering you a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 oz (50 g) fresh basil leaves
• 1 oz (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Pesto Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 teaspoon sea salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 4 green onions, finely sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (garnish)
• Parmesan shavings

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Instructions

1. Gently warm vegetable stock in a saucepan, avoiding boiling point.
2. Create vibrant pesto by blending fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and sea salt with olive oil, then fold in grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat uncooked rice thoroughly with a portion of the prepared pesto mixture.
4. Combine seasoned rice with hot stock and additional salt, bringing to a vigorous boil before reducing heat, covering, and simmering for approximately 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
5. Once rice is cooked, transfer to a serving bowl and incorporate remaining pesto, fresh lemon juice, extra olive oil, and cracked black pepper, mixing until evenly distributed.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering fresh chopped basil leaves, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top before presenting.

Notes

• Toasting pine nuts beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the pesto.
• Choose arborio or basmati rice for extra creaminess and fragrant texture when cooking this dish.
• For a dairy-free version, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit cheese completely while maintaining rich herbal notes.
• Keep extra pesto refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, perfect for quick meal upgrades or sandwich spreads.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg