Rice with carrots

To prepare a delicious rice with carrots, we will start by gathering the necessary ingredients and getting ready for a cooking filled with flavors. You will need 200 g of rice, 2-3 fresh carrots, 50 g of butter or olive oil, 500 ml of vegetable broth or water, salt to taste, and cheese (preferably feta or parmesan) for an extra flavor.

The first step is to peel the carrots. We wash them well under running water and then grate them using a fine grater. They will add a natural sweetness to our rice, as well as a pleasant color. In a large pan, we heat the butter or oil over medium heat. We add the grated carrots and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they start to turn golden and release their aroma.

Once the carrots are ready, we add the rice to the pan. We mix well to ensure that each grain of rice is coated with fat and flavor, and then sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. It is important to let the rice sauté together with the carrots for 2-3 minutes, so that it can reveal its aroma.

The next step is to gradually add the vegetable broth or water. It is essential to pour it slowly, in several stages, stirring periodically. Be careful with the liquid level, as the rice will absorb everything over time. The boiling process will take about 17 minutes, but it is good to check the instructions on the packaging of the chosen rice, as cooking times may vary. The rice should absorb almost 450 ml of liquid, but this depends on the type of rice used.

When the rice is almost cooked, we take care of the third carrot. We peel it and cut it into thin sticks. These can be sautéed in a pan with a little oil, or, for a healthier option, they can be baked in the oven until golden and crispy. Season with salt to taste.

Once the rice reaches the desired consistency, we take it off the heat and add the chosen cheese, crumbled or grated, mixing well to incorporate evenly. This will add a creamy and flavorful note to our dish. Finally, we can serve the rice with carrots on plates, garnished with the crispy carrot sticks on top for a contrast of textures. Enjoy your meal!