Are you craving a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that will transform humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece? Look no further than this Easy Buttered Rice and Cabbage recipe! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a surprisingly satisfying dish that proves culinary magic can happen with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you're a busy home cook, a kitchen novice, or someone looking for a delightful side dish, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly easy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the rice.
- Bring the rice and water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 12-13 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the rice is cooking, wash and chop the cabbage into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and golden.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the butter and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes slightly tender but still retains a bit of crunch.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Fold the sautéed cabbage into the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to distribute the butter and cabbage evenly.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot as a simple side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures fluffy, separated grains.
- Control Your Heat: When cooking rice, use the lowest possible heat after bringing it to a boil. This prevents burning and ensures even, gentle cooking.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. If possible, opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
- Cabbage Texture: For the best results, chop cabbage into uniform pieces and don't overcook. You want a slight crunch for textural contrast.
- Let it Rest: Always let your rice rest after cooking. This allows steam to redistribute, making the rice perfectly fluffy.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding minced garlic or herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor complexity.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
