Rice with vegetables and beef tongue

Rice with vegetables and beef tongue – A recipe full of flavor and comfort

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the culinary world of comfort food! This rice with vegetables and beef tongue recipe is a delicious combination, perfect for evenings when you crave something comforting and full of taste. Using the broth from the boiled beef tongue, this dish takes on a unique flavor that will delight your taste buds.

The history of this type of dish is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures, where beef was often used in recipes that combined simple yet flavorful ingredients. Rice, a staple food, transforms with the addition of fresh vegetables and cooked meat into a balanced and nutritious meal. Let’s embark on the journey to a perfect rice with vegetables and beef tongue!

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice for a fluffy texture)
- Broth from the beef tongue (about 3 cups, depending on the amount of rice)
- 4-5 slices of beef tongue (cut into small cubes for even cooking)
- 1 carrot (ideally fresh, for added sweetness)
- 2 cloves of garlic (for flavor)
- 2 small white onions (which add sweetness and depth)
- Olive oil (to sauté the vegetables)
- 1 cup of red wine (optional but recommended for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 tomato in puree (you can also use fresh tomatoes, but the puree offers a consistent taste)
- Spices: basil, oregano, thyme, white pepper, salt (to highlight the flavors)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the carrot and onions. Once everything is ready, cut the carrot into small cubes and the onions into thin slices. You can chop the garlic finely. It is essential that all ingredients are cut evenly for uniform cooking.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Place the carrot, onion, and garlic in a food processor and chop them until they become a fine paste. This technique will help the vegetables caramelize better and integrate perfectly into the rice.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the vegetable mixture and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and smells great.

4. Adding the rice: Add the cup of rice to the pan, stirring continuously to coat it with the flavored oil and lightly toast it for 2-3 minutes. This step is important for achieving fluffy rice.

5. Cooking the rice: Pour the broth from the boiled beef tongue over the rice. Make sure you have enough liquid to cook the rice; you should have about 2.5-3 cups of liquid for each cup of rice. Add the spices: salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and thyme to taste. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Adding the beef tongue: When the rice is almost done (when the liquid is nearly absorbed), add the cubes of beef tongue and the pureed tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors can combine. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add the red wine at this point, allowing it to evaporate slightly.

7. Serving: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. It is delicious both hot and at room temperature. You can garnish it with a few fresh basil or dill leaves for an attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice for a healthier option.
- Add seasonal vegetables, such as peppers or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- If you don’t have beef tongue, you can substitute it with cooked chicken or pork cut into cubes.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use basmati rice? Yes, but the cooking time may vary. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry red wine or a pale ale would perfectly complement this meal.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep the rice in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the beef and contains a good amount of fiber from the vegetables. The rice provides complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day.

So, get ready to indulge in a warm bowl of rice with vegetables and beef tongue, a dish that blends tradition and innovation in every bite. Enjoy your meal!