Rice with vegetables

Vegetable Rice - A simple and tasty recipe for the whole family

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of vegetable rice is vibrant, as this dish has been prepared in various ways over time, adapting to different cultures and available ingredients. Rice, a staple in many cuisines, pairs perfectly with vegetables to create a nourishing meal that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. This recipe is not only a great way to introduce vegetables into children's diets but also an opportunity to explore the flavors of fresh ingredients.

Before we start, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what we need:

Ingredients:
- 300g rice (long-grain rice is ideal for fluffy results)
- 2 medium onions (preferably white for a sweeter taste)
- 2 bell peppers (one red and one green for color and freshness)
- 3 large tomatoes (cherry tomatoes can be used for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chicken Delikat (or a chicken stock cube for a stronger flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing

Preparing vegetable rice is simple and quick. Let’s begin!

1. Preparing the ingredients: The first step is to prepare all the ingredients. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove starch and achieve fluffy rice. Slice the onion into thin rings and the bell peppers into strips. The tomatoes should be peeled and diced. If desired, you can submerge the tomatoes in a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds to make peeling easier.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will release the flavors and start to develop a flavor base for our dish.

3. Adding the bell peppers and tomatoes: Once the onion is ready, add the bell pepper slices and continue to sauté everything together, stirring occasionally. After about 3 minutes, add the diced tomatoes. Let them sauté for 1 minute, just enough to soften slightly and combine the flavors.

4. Adding the rice: Now it’s time to add the rinsed rice. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring the rice is coated with oil and seasonings. Sauté the rice with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

5. Boiling the rice: In this step, add water. The general rule is to use 3 times the amount of water compared to rice. So, for 300g of rice, you will need about 900ml of water. Also, add the tablespoon of chicken Delikat, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring to a boil over medium heat.

6. Cooking: Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is important not to lift the lid too often to avoid losing steam. The rice will be ready when all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

7. Finishing and serving: Once the rice is ready, add the chopped dill and parsley. Gently stir and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serving: Vegetable rice can be served warm, either as a main dish or as a side with any type of meat. Personally, I enjoy pairing it with grilled chicken breast or fish. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a complete lunch or dinner.

Useful tips:
- If you want an extra flavor boost, try adding some sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mix.
- A delicious variation is to add peas or diced carrots as well.
- You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water amount.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegetable rice is a balanced meal rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, and the addition of fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also a boost of antioxidants. This recipe is also low in calories, with about 250 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use instant rice in this recipe?
Answer: Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so make sure to follow the instructions on the package.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
Answer: You can experiment with zucchini, squash, or even broccoli for a more varied option.

3. Can vegetable rice be frozen?
Answer: Yes, this dish freezes very well. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in airtight containers.

I hope this vegetable rice recipe quickly becomes a family favorite! It’s simple, versatile, and full of flavors, perfect for bringing all generations together at the table. Enjoy!