July 15, 2026

Healthy Brown Rice and Leek Bake Recipe

Name: Healthy Brown Rice and Leek Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, washed and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 1 cup short-grain brown rice, rinsed; 2.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried dill; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup crumbled low-fat feta cheese

This healthy brown rice and leek bake is ready in 45 minutes, offering a nutritious, fiber-rich twist on traditional Albanian presh me oriz. By swapping in whole-grain brown rice and packing it with fresh herbs, we keep the calories low while keeping the comforting flavor high.

Prep15 min

Cook45 min

Serves4

Difficultyeasy

Calories260

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Ingredients

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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, washed and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds1 cup short-grain brown rice, rinsed2.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth1 tsp dried dill1/2 tsp sea salt1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper1 tbsp fresh lemon juice1/4 cup crumbled low-fat feta cheese

Instructions

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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with a quick spray of olive oil.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced leeks.

Sauté the leeks for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are soft, translucent, and sweet, ensuring they do not brown.

Stir in the rinsed brown rice, dried dill, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice grains.

Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spread it in an even layer, and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with the crumbled feta cheese if desired, and serve warm.

Tips

Make sure to wash the sliced leeks thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any hidden dirt or grit before cooking.
Using short-grain brown rice yields a slightly stickier, creamier texture that mimics the traditional white rice texture better than long-grain.
If you want a slightly crispy top, turn on the oven broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking, watching closely so it does not burn.

#healthy #mediterranean #vegetarian #baked #rice #easy

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