Fried rice

Basmati Rice Recipe with Vegetables and Fish

Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will transform some simple ingredients into something absolutely delicious! I will share with you a recipe for basmati rice with vegetables and fish, inspired by a recipe I saw on a culinary television show. Even though the original recipe included salmon, I experimented with carp, and the result was surprisingly good. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients:
- 150 g wild basmati rice
- 1 egg (for omelet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more, to taste)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste)
- Salt to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Cooking the Rice: Start by boiling the basmati rice. Use the ratio of 1 measure of rice to 3 measures of water. You can add a pinch of salt to the water to flavor the rice. Let it boil over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed. Then, drain the rice in a sieve and set it aside.

2. Preparing the Omelet: Beat the egg in a small bowl and add a pinch of salt. Heat a non-stick skillet with a little olive oil and pour in the beaten egg. Cook the omelet over medium heat, being careful not to overcook it. The goal is to achieve a soft omelet without burnt parts. Once done, remove it to a plate and cut it into small pieces.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the onion, celery, and carrot, all finely chopped. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly soft. This will provide a sweet-bitter taste and a delicious aroma.

4. Mixing the Ingredients: When the vegetables are ready, add the chopped omelet and the cooked rice, mixing everything well. Add the soy sauce and season with salt to taste. Stir quickly so that all the ingredients combine perfectly and heat evenly. Turn off the heat.

5. Plating: For an elegant presentation, use a plating ring to arrange the rice on the plate. This will make your dish look even more appetizing. Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

6. Serving the Fish: Alongside the rice, you can add grilled or fried carp fillets to complete the dish. The fish can be seasoned to taste, using lemon, dill, or other herbs.

Serving Suggestions: This dish can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a delicious dinner. You can accompany it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for an extra boost of vitamins. Additionally, a cold drink, such as fruit tea or a smoothie, would perfectly complement the meal.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the rice is well-drained before adding it to the skillet to avoid sticky rice.
- You can replace the vegetables with your favorites or seasonal ones. Peppers, zucchini, or peas are excellent options.
- If you don’t have soy sauce, teriyaki sauce or even a curry paste can add an exotic touch to your dish.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This recipe is balanced, with about 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used. Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins. Fish, especially carp, is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use white rice instead of basmati?
- Yes, but the cooking time may vary. White rice cooks faster, so keep an eye on it.

2. What other types of fish can I use?
- You can use any type of fish you prefer, such as cod, tilapia, or freshwater fish, depending on your taste.

3. How can I make the dish vegetarian?
- Simply omit the fish and add more vegetables or tofu to keep the protein.

In conclusion, this simple and quick basmati rice recipe with vegetables and fish can easily be adapted to your tastes, offering you a healthy and flavorful meal. Don’t let the day pass without trying it! Enjoy your meal!