Red and white rice with vegetables and shrimp

Shrimp and Vegetable Rice – A Quick and Healthy Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will impress family or friends, look no further! This shrimp and vegetable rice recipe is perfect for you. A combination of red and white rice, succulent shrimp, and fresh vegetables, prepared in a simple way but with an exceptional taste.

A brief story about rice and shrimp:
Rice is an essential ingredient in kitchens around the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. It is a staple food and an important source of carbohydrates, appreciated for its versatility. Shrimp, on the other hand, adds a touch of refinement and flavor to dishes, being an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Together, these ingredients create a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also offers a range of nutritional benefits.

Ingredients needed for 2 servings:
- 1/3 cup red rice
- 1/3 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water, if preferred)
- 2 handfuls of peeled shrimp (or fresh, if available)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 handful of peas
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter
- Corn or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon curry
- Cardamom (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soy sauce for serving

Step by step – Preparation:

1. Preparing the red rice:
In a pot, add the red rice and the 2 cups of broth. Add a pinch of cardamom, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover tightly with aluminum foil and place a lid on top. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes.

2. Preparing the white rice:
After the red rice has cooked, in another pot, add the white rice and the 2 cups of broth. Sprinkle a dash of curry, salt, and pepper. Cover with foil and a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

3. Preparing the shrimp:
If using fresh shrimp, peel and wash them under cold water. Remove the head and intestines. Heat a pan with a little butter and olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes for small shrimp or 3-5 minutes for larger ones. Do not overcook, as they will become tough.

4. Preparing the vegetables:
Chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper finely. In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the carrot and bell pepper, sautéing them until softened. Boil the peas in a little water, drain, and add them to the vegetables.

5. Preparing the eggs:
Beat the two eggs in a bowl and fry them separately in a wok with a little oil until they become an omelet. Cut the omelet into strips.

6. Assembling the dish:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice (red and white), shrimp, sautéed vegetables, omelet strips, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Mix well until combined.

7. Forming the servings:
Rinse the bowls with cold water and let them drain. Grease the inside with a little oil. Fill the bowls with the rice mixture and press gently with the back of a spoon. Let them cool slightly.

8. Serving:
Invert the bowls onto plates and serve with soy sauce. This dish can be enjoyed warm, but is also delicious at room temperature.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water, but broth will add extra flavor.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or broccoli, for extra nutrients and texture.
- Red rice is richer in antioxidants than white rice, so feel free to use it in other dishes.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Red rice is rich in fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, while shrimp is an excellent source of protein and healthy fatty acids. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a balanced choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- Can I add extra sauces? Absolutely! Teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce pair wonderfully.
- How can I store leftovers? They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Enjoy this shrimp and vegetable rice recipe on a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds. It’s an excellent choice for a quick and healthy dinner, but also an elegant option for parties. Bon appétit!