Rice salad with peas, corn, and mushrooms

Delicious rice salad with peas, corn, and mushrooms

This rice salad is more than just a simple dish; it's an explosion of flavors and textures that will turn any meal into a culinary celebration. With simple ingredients and easy cooking, you will impress your family and friends with a dish that is served cold, perfect for warm summer days or as a side dish for a festive lunch.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup mushrooms (preferably fresh champignon)
- 1 clove garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 onion (preferably white or yellow)
- 150 g sour cream (you can use full-fat or light sour cream, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or your choice)
- Nutmeg (a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Brief history
Rice salads have become extremely popular due to their versatility and ability to combine various ingredients. They can be adapted according to the season and personal preferences, becoming a favorite dish in many cultures. This simple recipe for rice salad with peas, corn, and mushrooms is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the rice
1. Start by rinsing the rice well under cold running water to remove excess starch. This will help prevent the rice from sticking.
2. In a deep skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes slightly translucent.
3. Add the 3 cups of hot water and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and cover the skillet with a lid. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 30-40 minutes. The rice will absorb all the water and become fluffy.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
4. Meanwhile, peel the onion and slice it thinly. Rub the onion slices with a little salt; this trick helps soften it and enhance the flavors. Add the balsamic vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Boil the mushrooms in salted water with a tablespoon of vinegar to prevent oxidation. Let them boil for about 5-7 minutes, then drain and slice.
6. Boil the peas and corn in salted water for 3-5 minutes, then drain and let them cool.

Step 3: Assembling the salad
7. When the rice is ready and cooled, add the sour cream and mix gently until well combined.
8. In a large bowl, combine the marinated onion, peas, corn, and sautéed mushrooms with the crushed garlic (if you choose to use it). Add the chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
9. Finally, add the rice and mix everything carefully so that the ingredients combine evenly.

Serving
The salad is served cold, and for a more attractive appearance, you can garnish it with fresh herb leaves. This rice salad is delicious and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with fish or grilled meat. It is also an excellent accompaniment to a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a summer cocktail.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can add other ingredients such as bell peppers, olives, or even cubes of feta cheese for a richer flavor.
- Storage: The salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Nutrition: This salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates from rice, protein from peas and corn, and fiber from vegetables. It is also low in calories, with about 250-300 calories per serving (depending on the amount of sour cream used).

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use instant rice? It is not recommended, as traditional rice will provide a better texture and absorb flavors more effectively.
2. Can it be served warm? Although it is a cold salad, you can experiment with warm rice, but the vegetables must be cooled.
3. Is it vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegans by replacing the sour cream with a plant-based dressing.

Now that you have all the details to prepare this delicious salad, all that's left is to start cooking! The result will surely please everyone, and you will be appreciated for your culinary skills. Enjoy!