| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 11g | 2g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 8g | 9g | 1.2g |
Vegetable-forward recipes hold a special place in my heart and this dish, in particular, has won me over. Sesame-Arame Rice with Vegetables is a delightful convergence of different textures and flavors that gives plant-based meals an exciting twist. As a Louisiana native, Creole and French influence my cooking. Yet, as much as I love the Creole richness and the French elegance in my pastries, the ability to explore beyond my comfort zone and incorporate different cultural influences in my dishes is what I find most fulfilling as a food blogger.
A Love Letter to Whole Foods
This recipe primarily uses whole foods, which are loaded with dense nutrients. Arame seaweed, for instance, is a powerhouse of iodine, great for thyroid health. In addition, it’s rich in vitamin A and C which boost your immunity, and calcium for bone health. The sesame seeds add not just a crunchy texture but are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Brown rice, packed with fiber, complements these ingredients in a very nourishing way. Truly, this dish is not just about the taste; it’s about wellness too. Check out this study on the health benefits of seaweed, you won’t regret it.
Expanding My Culinary Horizons
The Sesame-Arame Rice with Vegetables bears similarities to traditional Asian stir-fry dishes. You could serve it alongside a simple tofu dish or perhaps a bok choy salad. Outside of my Creole and French comfort zone, this dish lands me right in the midst of East Asian cookery, where the balance of flavor, texture, and color is key. One bite into this dish makes it clear why.
Every time I make this, I’m reminded of the joy of trying out new recipes and the satisfaction that comes from creating a meal that is not only delicious but also promotes healthier eating habits. I hope you find this dish as enjoyable and healthy as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup arame seaweed
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking the arame seaweed in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes or until it becomes tender. Once tender, drain the seaweed and set it aside for later use.
Step Two
In a pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the 2 cups of brown rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow the rice to cook for about 45 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 more minutes.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking, heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until it begins to brown lightly. Add the chopped carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli to the skillet and cook until they soften slightly, about 10 minutes.
Step Four
Next, add the drained arame seaweed and sliced green onions to the skillet. Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure everything gets evenly cooked.
Step Five
Once the vegetables are done, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce until the rice and vegetables are evenly coated. Cook the mixture for another couple of minutes to allow the flavors to merge.
Step Six
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the rice mixture just before serving. Enjoy your Sesame-Arame Rice with Vegetables hot!
