Rice with fennel and celery baked

Rice with Fennel and Celery Baked

Get ready to discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a savory lunch. Baked rice with fennel and celery is a dish that combines unique textures and flavors, bringing together simple ingredients in a symphony of tastes. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced professional, this recipe is sure to delight you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 200 g cheese (grated)
- 100 ml sweet cream
- 3 fennel bulbs
- 5-6 stalks of green celery
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon star anise
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 100 g butter (for greasing the dish and cubes between layers)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the rice:
Start by washing the rice well, making sure to rinse it in 2-3 waters. This process helps remove excess starch, making the rice less sticky. After washing, let it soak in clean water for 1-2 hours. This step will help the rice absorb water and cook evenly.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
While the rice is soaking, wash the fennel and celery well, then boil them in a pot of water with a little salt. Let them boil for 30-40 minutes until tender. After boiling, drain the water and let the vegetables cool slightly.

3. Cooking the rice:
In a separate pot, bring to boil the rice with an amount of water three times greater than the rice, about 900 ml. Add a little salt, 1 tablespoon of star anise, and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Boil the rice for 30 minutes, then let it sit covered off the heat for 15 minutes to fluff up.

4. Preparing the layers:
While the rice is resting, grate the cheese and prepare a heat-resistant dish. Grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Start assembling the layers:
- Put a tablespoon of rice to form a layer of 3-4 cm.
- Add a few cubes of butter here and there, followed by half of the grated cheese and half of the fennel and celery cut into 2-3 cm pieces. Sprinkle a little white pepper for extra flavor.
- Repeat the process: a layer of rice, butter cubes, cheese, vegetables, and pepper.

5. Finishing the dish:
Finally, add the remaining rice, butter cubes, and small leaves of fennel and celery, finely chopped. Mix the cream with 3-4 tablespoons of cold water to thin it, then pour it evenly over the mixture in the dish.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C). Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions:
This dish is delicious both warm and cold, making it versatile for different occasions. You can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a side of grilled vegetables. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing herbal tea.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing lasting energy, while fennel and celery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Additionally, anise and cumin add antioxidants, aiding digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, according to your preferences.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes between layers for an extra kick.

3. What other cheese options can I use?
Instead of cheese, you can use mozzarella or feta cheese for a different taste.

4. How can I store the dish?
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Customized version:
For a unique touch, add some chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds between layers for extra crunch. This baked rice with fennel and celery is not only a filling dish but also a delight for the senses, full of flavors and colors that will brighten your table! Enjoy every bite and share this recipe with loved ones to create unforgettable moments around the table.