Green Tea Rice with Vegetables Recipe

Green Tea Rice with Vegetables

Serves 8

30 minutes or fewer

Freshly brewed green tea lends a deliciously subtle, grassy flavor to this light rice dish. Serve with low-sodium soy sauce and chili oil, if desired.

1 cup basmati rice
4 green tea bags
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 tsp. minced fresh ginger
1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 bunch green onions, chopped (½ cup)
½ cup toasted sesame seeds

1. Place tea bags in 4-cup measuring cup, and cover with 3 cups water. Steep 7 to 10 minutes. Discard tea bags.

2. Combine rice, garlic, ginger, and tea in medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes.

3. Add frozen vegetables, and cover pan again. Cook 5 to 10 more minutes, or until tea is absorbed and vegetables are hot and crisp-tender. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

March 2009