Rice with mushrooms and olives

Rice with mushrooms and olives - a dish that combines simplicity with refinement, perfect for a family dinner or a savory lunch. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a rich and comforting taste, making it ideal for vegetarians and all food lovers. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g of rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 200 g of fresh mushrooms (champignon or any other preferred mushrooms)
- 50 g of green or black olives (pitted)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color, but preferably red for a splash of color)
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- a few peppercorns (black or white)
- salt, to taste
- a few fresh thyme leaves (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping the onion into small cubes. Cut the bell pepper into pieces, and slice the mushrooms thinly. If using whole olives, make sure to pit them. Having all the ingredients prepared will help you work more efficiently.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and let it heat gently. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent (about 5-6 minutes). This is the perfect moment to add a pinch of salt, which will help the vegetables release their juices and meld the flavors together.

3. Adding mushrooms and olives: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and let them sauté together with the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, add the olives, stirring well to combine all the flavors. It’s important not to overcook the mushrooms so they retain their texture.

4. Cooking the rice: In a large pot, add the sautéed vegetable mixture, then add the rice and stir well to combine. This step is essential as it helps the rice absorb the delicious flavors of the vegetables.

5. Boiling: Add water (about 800 ml), the peppercorns, and thyme leaves (if you choose to use them). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid. Let the rice simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. Finishing the dish: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps finish the cooking process and allows the flavors to develop even more.

7. Serving: Gently fluff the rice with a fork to aerate it. You can drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor. Serve the rice with mushrooms and olives warm, alongside a fresh green salad or even a portion of Greek yogurt, which will add a creamy and refreshing note.

Useful tips:
- Types of rice: If you want to experiment, you can use basmati rice or brown rice, but the cooking time will change. Be sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for each type of rice.
- Mushrooms: You can replace the mushrooms with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to add a variety of textures and flavors.
- Olives: If you prefer a stronger taste, you can use kalamata olives, which are saltier and more flavorful.

Pairings and suggestions:
This rice with mushrooms and olives pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can accompany this dish with grilled chicken or fish if you wish to add a protein source.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins due to the vegetables and mushrooms. It can contain about 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of olives.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, you can use cooked rice, but you need to adjust the amount of water and cooking time.
- How can I make this dish even healthier? You can reduce the amount of oil used and add more vegetables, such as carrots or peas.
- Can I store leftovers? Yes, this dish keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

I hope you enjoy every step of this simple and delicious recipe! Cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!