Oven-baked rice with vegetables

Baked Vegetable Rice – A Savory and Healthy Recipe

Baked vegetable rice is a delicious, simple, and versatile recipe, perfect for a family meal or a quick lunch. This recipe is not only rich in nutrients but also brings a splash of flavor and color to your plate. Offering a combination full of taste, baked vegetable rice will win you over from the first bite.

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

Ingredients:
- 200 g basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary
- 250 g mushrooms, quartered
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 400 g tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
- 525 ml vegetable broth
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Recipe History:
Vegetable rice is a dish appreciated worldwide, with deep roots in diverse culinary traditions. It is a dish that has evolved over time, adapted according to the ingredients available in each culture. Rice, a staple food, is often combined with fresh vegetables to create nutritious meals, ideal for all ages.

Recipe Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for baking rice, allowing the vegetables to brown slightly while the rice absorbs all the flavor.

2. Start by washing the basmati rice under cold water. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which will help achieve fluffy and separate rice grains. Wash the rice several times until the water runs clear, then drain well.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The onion adds a flavorful base to your dish.

4. Add the rosemary to the skillet, stirring gently for a minute to release the aromas. The intense aroma of rosemary will perfectly complement the other ingredients.

5. Add the quartered mushrooms and mix them with the onion and rosemary. Let them cook until they release their juices and become tender, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Now, add the washed rice, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Mix all the ingredients well so that the rice is evenly coated with the flavors of the vegetables.

7. Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture in the skillet. Make sure everything is well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then transfer everything to a covered baking dish.

8. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all the flavors of the ingredients and will be perfectly cooked.

9. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and uncover it. Add the chopped fresh parsley on top and mix gently. The parsley adds a fresh and vibrant note to the dish.

10. Serve the baked vegetable rice warm, alongside a fresh salad or a serving of Greek yogurt for a creamy and refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips:
- You can substitute the vegetables according to your preferences or the season. Zucchini, carrots, or peas would be excellent choices.
- If you want a spicy note, add some chili flakes during the onion sautéing.
- This recipe is also perfect as a side dish for grilled meat or fish, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Benefits:
Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. The vegetables in the recipe are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy immune system and digestive health. This recipe is also vegetarian, making it ideal for those following a plant-based diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is already vegan, as it contains no animal products.
- What other spices can I add to vary the flavor?
Curry, turmeric, or cumin are excellent options to add an exotic taste to your dish.

The baked vegetable rice recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a simple way to incorporate more vegetables into your daily diet. I invite you to try it and enjoy its unique flavors!