Herbed Basmati Rice

Herbed Basmati Rice
This is an easy, elegant side dish that complements almost any dish.  Using a skillet may seem like a weird way to cook rice, but it increases the surface area and therefore decreases cooking time!  To toast the pine nuts, put them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toss until golden brown.  
serves 6

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup uncooked basmati rice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup water
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add rice and garlic to pan; saute 2 minutes or until rice is lightly toasted.  Add water, broth, and salt to pan; bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.  Remove from heat.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Stir in onions, nuts, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and pepper.

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