Step 1

Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and saute an additional 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add brown rice and stir to coat the rice in the butter and onions for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the water and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook the brown rice for 25 minutes.

Step 4

After 25 minutes, add the chopped broccoli to the pot (right on top of the rice; no need to stir it in yet).

Step 5

Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Then turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6

Remove lid and stir broccoli into the rice. Add the cheddar cheese and stir to get everything well mixed and let the cheese melt.

Step 7

Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with extra cheddar cheese sprinkled on top.