Baked vegetable dish with rice

Oven-Baked Vegetable Dish with Rice – A Delicious, Healthy, and Easy Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The oven-baked vegetable dish with rice is a versatile meal, perfect for a light dinner or a savory side dish alongside a piece of meat. This recipe will not only fill your home with enticing aromas but also provide you with a healthy meal rich in vitamins and minerals. Ideal for fasting periods, this recipe can be customized according to your culinary preferences.

The history of the oven-baked vegetable dish takes us back in time when preservation and cooking methods led to the development of simple yet flavorful recipes. The use of seasonal vegetables along with grains became a common practice, offering nourishing and energizing meals. Today, we will pay tribute to this culinary tradition with a simple yet delicious recipe.

Ingredients

- 150 g frozen green beans
- 150 g frozen yellow beans
- 2 medium onions
- 300 g canned tomatoes (about 3-4 large tomatoes)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bag of frozen vegetables (containing cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bell pepper pieces, peas)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- 4-5 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill

Necessary Utensils

- Deep frying pan
- Baking dish or oven tray
- Blender (optional, for tomatoes)
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Defrosting the vegetables: Remove the frozen vegetables from the freezer and let them defrost in a bowl. This step is essential for achieving an even texture during cooking.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Peel the onion and chop it finely. Peel the carrot and slice it into rounds, using a serrated tool to give it an attractive shape. If you don’t have such a tool, you can slice the carrot thinly – the taste will remain just as delicious.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a deep frying pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). This will add a flavorful base to the dish.

4. Adding the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, place them in a blender and blend until you obtain a paste. Add the tomato paste to the frying pan over the onion and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.

5. Including the vegetables: Cut the defrosted beans into suitable pieces if they are whole. Add them to the frying pan along with the carrot rounds and the bag of frozen vegetables. Mix well to combine the flavors.

6. Boiling the ingredients: Cover the vegetables with water and bring everything to a boil. When it starts to boil, add salt, pepper, and dried dill to taste. These spices will enhance the dish's flavors.

7. Including the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the frying pan and let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Baking: After 5 minutes, transfer all the contents from the frying pan to the baking dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let the dish bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has significantly reduced.

9. Serving: When ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This vegetable dish with rice can be enjoyed as is or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or steak.

Useful Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different vegetables depending on the season and your preferences. Potatoes, zucchini, or eggplants can also be added for even more varied texture.
- Combinations: The oven-baked vegetable dish with rice pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, adding a note of freshness.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe offers approximately 250-300 calories per serving, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables are excellent! Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

2. How can I make the dish spicier?
You can add a bit of hot pepper or chili flakes during cooking to give it a spicier taste.

3. What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain rice is ideal, but you can also use basmati or arborio rice for a different texture.

Personal Note

This oven-baked vegetable dish with rice is one of my favorites, especially on busy days when I want to prepare a quick yet filling meal. I remember how, in my childhood, my mother often cooked baked vegetables, and their aroma filled our home with warmth and comfort. I hope it brings you the same joy!

Try this simple and delicious recipe and enjoy the perfect combination of vegetables and rice. Bon appétit!