Lemon Rice (6-cup Rice Cooker**)

Recipe from The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Makes 3-4 servings

I have to say that this was one of the best meals of the year 2022  in our household. I was going for the traditional black-eyed peas and greens to up our chances for a prosperous 2023.  I decided to give this Lemon Rice recipe a go and, man, oh man, was this a winner of a side dish!  We usually eat brown basmati rice because of the flavor and health benefits, but it was New Year’s Day after all.  

1 cup long grain white rice, such as basmati

1 ½ cups vegetable broth or No-Chicken Broth

Pinch of salt

1 large clove garlic, peeled

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

2 Tablespoons unsalted vegan butter

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Place the basmati rice in a fine strainer or bowl.  Rinse with cold water at least twice until the rinse water is clear.  Drain.

Place the rice in the rice cooker bowl.  Add the broth and salt.  Stir to combine.  Place the garlic clove in the center on top of the rice.  Close the cover and set for the regular cycle.

When the machine switches to the Keep Warm cycle, add the lemon zest, butter, and parsley; stir to combine.  Close the cover and let the rice steam for 10 minutes.  Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon or plastic rice paddle.  This rice will hold on Keep Warm for 1-2 hours.  Before serving, remove the garlic clove and discard.  Serve the rice hot.

**The rice can be prepared per package instructions on top of the stove or even in the Instant Pot, using broth and adding the garlic.  When the rice is cooked, add the zest, butter and parsley.