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Broccoli Parmesan Rice Pilaf

Put in as much broccoli as you possibly can into this delicious side dish.


2 cups broccoli cut into small pieces
1/2 cup carrot matchsticks 
2 cloves garlic, minced


1 cup white rice (I used Jasmine here)
1/4 cup whole wheat orzo
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
toasted sesame seeds to garnish, I used brown and black

Sauté the rice and orzo with a dash of canola oil in a small pot for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add 2 cups water and bring to a gentle boil.  Stir, salt lightly, cover and set to a very low heat.  Cook until the pilaf has absorbed all the water.  When cooked, spread out on a large rimmed baking sheet to allow rice mixture to dry out a bit.

In the meantime, sauté the broccoli and carrot in a dash of olive oil in a skillet.  After 5 minutes, add the garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes.  
Toss the pilaf and the veggies together in a large non-stick skillet.  Heat through.
Add the cheese and heat through once more.  Turn pilaf into serving bowl and garnish with sesame seeds.

Serves 4 as a side.

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