I feel like side dishes are often underrated. Entrees are important, but side dishes are complimentary and can enhance the overall meal. Fresh herbs are my secret weapon to bring out bright flavors with little work.

Garlic Lime Cilantro Rice

Prep time 5-10 minutes, Cook time 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice
• 1/2 cup of sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth
• 2 heaping tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, put in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Here’s two options for cooking the rice. You can just add the rice to the sauté pan, stir continuously, and cook for 3 minutes. Next, add lime zest and juice, and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. The other method is using a rice cooker. I love my small rice cooker. I just pour the contents of the sauté pan into the rice cooker, add the rice, lime juice and zest, and the chicken broth. Let cook until rice cooker clicks to warm, approximately 25-30 minutes.

When rice is cooked, add chopped cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Fluff with fork and serve. This side is no second-class dish!