Fried rice with omelette and vegetables

Fried rice with omelette and vegetables: a delight you can prepare at home

Who doesn't love rice? It is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can easily be transformed into delicious, flavorful dishes. Fried rice is one of the most popular dishes, often associated with Asian cuisine, but it has won the hearts of many around the world. Today, I will share my favorite recipe for fried rice with omelette and vegetables, a simple, quick, and extremely tasty dish that will make you feel like you are in a Chinese restaurant, right at home!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 100 g rice
- 50 g oil (preferably sesame oil or vegetable oil)
- 50 g fresh cucumber
- 50 g bell pepper
- 50 g carrot
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- For the omelette:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the rice:

1. Washing the rice: Start by washing the rice under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a less sticky texture.

2. Boiling the rice: Place the washed rice in a pot along with 300 ml of water. Set the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. When it starts to boil, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Cooling the rice: After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for another 10 minutes. Then, remove the lid, allow the rice to cool, and place it in the refrigerator to firm up, preferably overnight. This is the secret to perfect fried rice texture!

Preparing the omelette:

4. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh thyme. The flavors of thyme will add a special touch to your omelette.

5. Cooking the omelette: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook the omelette for 2-3 minutes until it becomes firm and slightly golden around the edges. Flip the omelette using a spatula and cook the other side as well. Once done, transfer the omelette to a plate, roll it tightly, and cut it into thin strips.

Preparing the vegetables and frying the rice:

6. Chopping the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot into small cubes, and finely chop the onion and garlic. These colorful vegetables not only add a pleasant appearance to the dish but also considerable nutritional value!

7. Frying the vegetables: In a wok or a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. It is important not to cook them too much to maintain their crunchy texture.

8. Adding the rice: Once the vegetables are slightly fried, add the cooled rice. Mix everything well so that the rice absorbs the flavors of the vegetables. Let it fry for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Incorporating the omelette: The last step is to add the strips of omelette to the pan. Gently mix to distribute them evenly in the rice. Let the dish warm up for a few moments, then turn off the heat.

Serving:

10. Finalizing the dish: Serve the fried rice with omelette and vegetables in a bowl or deep plate. Drizzle with soy sauce for added flavor and garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves if desired.

11. Serving suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with a summer salad or a spicy sauce for those who prefer a stronger taste. You can accompany the meal with cold green tea or fresh citrus juice for a refreshing contrast.

Tips and useful advice:

- Types of rice: For fried rice, it is best to use long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, as it does not stick together as much.
- Delicious variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as peas, corn, or mushrooms, depending on your preferences. You can also add proteins, such as diced chicken or shrimp, to make the dish a more substantial main course.
- Calories and nutrients: This recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving, making it a decent choice nutritionally, thanks to the vegetables and proteins from the eggs. The vegetables add important vitamins and fiber for a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use freshly cooked rice?
It is recommended to use cooked and cooled rice to avoid the grains sticking together. If you use fresh rice, make sure to cool it well before frying.

2. How can I store fried rice?
Fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet.

3. What other sauces can I use?
Besides soy sauce, you can try hoisin sauce or spicy sauce to add extra flavor and character.

Therefore, I encourage you to try this fried rice recipe with omelette and vegetables! It is a versatile dish, easy to customize, and perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch. Enjoy your meal!