Savory Herb & Garlic Brown Rice
This herb and garlic rice dish is rich and savory, made with long-grain brown rice, caramelized onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Slow-simmered in broth for deep flavor, this easy homemade brown rice recipe is smoky, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or pairing with soul food favorites like fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or hearty bowls.
Ingredients - serves 4
1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil or 2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
1/2 bell pepper (any color), finely diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sliced scallions
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
1 generous pinch cayenne (optional)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
Heat oil/butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add onions and cook 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
Add bell pepper and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the rice and cook 1–2 minutes to coat with the aromatics.
Add broth, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 40–45 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Remove from heat, keep covered, and rest 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in scallions and parsley.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Soul
A drizzle of melted butter before serving
A squeeze of lemon juice
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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting with women about God’s goodness.
