Portuguese Style Broccoli Rice

Broccoli rice was a favorite at my parent’s house, specially when we had “bacalhau” (salted cod). Everybody loved it. There was never enough. Its obvious Portuguese flavors go well with fish or meat. 

Note: a very good olive oil is important for the success of this dish. I also used purified water, fair trade basmati rice and Himalayan salt. And the broccoli: it was fresh from today's CSA box!

Portuguese Style Broccoli Rice

4 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 - 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 cup white long grain rice

4 cups broccoli

Sea salt to taste

Directions:

Wash the broccoli and cut into medium florets. Include some of the stem, peeled and chopped, and if there are leaves, use them as well. Wash the rice and dry well in a strainer. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add the garlic and stir fry for about 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the broccoli and rice. Stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is well coated with olive oil. Add boiling water, salt and reduce heat. Cover and simmer in low for 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.