Brown rice, broccoli, cheese and walnut surprise

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup quick-cooking brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Total time: 35 min

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place walnuts on small baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 7 to 8 minutes.
4. Place broccoli in a microwave-safe casserole dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook at high power for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
5. Spoon rice onto a serving platter and top with broccoli. Sprinkle walnuts over broccoli and top with cheese.