Tico Rice (Veg*n & Brown Rice)

May 19, 2023May 19, 20230 1

Tasty Tico Rice recipe for a healthy meal

by The Chefin Vegan

Prep

10 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	4 sprigs fresh cilantro ( put some aside for garnish )
	1/2 medium onion
	1/2 red bell pepper ( use any colour but green )
	1 tablespoon canola oil ( any neutral oil )
	2 cups long grain brown rice
	4 cups vegetable broth
	1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

347

Sugar

Fat

Tico Rice is a healthy, tasty and culturally inspired dish from Costa Rica. It is commonly prepared with white rice, but using brown rice in this recipe provides an extra boost of nutrients and fiber. The colorful combination of ingredients creates a flavorful, filling, and visually appealing dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The red pepper adds a subtle sweetness and crunch, while the cilantro provides a fresh and fragrant aroma. This vegan healthy recipe is easy to customize with additional vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or corn.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the rice and set aside.
2.	Heat oil in a large heavy pot on medium heat.
3.	Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4.	Stir in the rice and broth. Add salt.
5.	Increase the heat, and bring to a boil.
6.	Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
7.	Serve the rice with cilantro on top as a garnish.

PROS

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free and is packed with nutrients from brown rice, red bell pepper, and cilantro.

It’s a budget-friendly and easy dish to prepare for a healthy and satisfying meal.

CONS

The recipe requires brown rice which takes a long time to cook compared to white rice, so it needs to be planned ahead.

Also, some people may not enjoy the texture of brown rice.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Brown rice is a wholesome whole grain that contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins and minerals. It can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Red bell pepper is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K1, and potassium, which support immune function and overall health. Cilantro is a superfood herb that aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and has anti-microbial properties.