Rice with vegetables

Vegetable Rice – a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for a healthy family meal! This classic dish is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal, packed with vitamins and flavors, without spending many hours in the kitchen.

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I propose we explore this vegetable rice recipe together, with each step detailed to achieve a perfect result. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 cups of long-grain rice (preferably basmati or jasmine for extra flavor)
- 1/2 can of corn (approximately 150 g, but you can also use fresh corn!)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (approximately 75 g)
- 2 medium onions (approximately 150 g)
- 1 carrot (approximately 100 g)
- 1 parsley root (1 white root, approximately 100 g)
- 1/4 celery (approximately 50 g)
- 1 large mushroom (optional, but adds a delicious texture)
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 4 cups of hot water (approximately 1 liter)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by step:

1. Preparing the rice: Start by washing the rice in several waters. It is important to remove excess starch to achieve less sticky rice. After washing, set it aside to drain.

2. Boiling the water: Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. It is essential to use hot water to help the rice cook evenly.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a deep pot with 3 tablespoons of oil and a little water. This mixture will help the onion soften and become translucent without burning.

4. Grating and chopping: Grate the carrot, parsley root, and celery on a large grater. Add them to the onion, mixing well. These vegetables will give a rich flavor to the rice. Dice the bell pepper and mushroom and add them to the pot. Finally, add the drained corn.

5. Adding the rice: Once the vegetables have softened a bit, add the rice to the pot. Mix everything well so that the rice absorbs the flavors of the vegetables. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Cooking the rice: Add the hot water, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir gently and let everything boil. Once the water starts to boil, cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 17 minutes without stirring. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rice.

7. Resting the rice: After 17 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the remaining steam and become fluffier.

Serving and presentation

When ready, divide the rice onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Vegetable rice is tasty and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for both vegans and those looking to reduce meat consumption.

Serving suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with separately cooked seafood, such as calamari, shrimp, or baby octopus. Seafood is an excellent source of protein and minerals, ideal for those following a fasting diet or feeling weaker. Don't forget to serve this dish alongside a fresh salad, such as a tomato and cucumber salad, for a delicious contrast.

Nutrients and calories

This vegetable rice recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories and is rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. The vegetables used provide a significant amount of vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants.

Recipe variations

If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add various vegetables according to your preferences or the season. For example, zucchini, eggplant, or peas can add not only flavor but also a colorful aspect to the dish. You can also experiment with spices like turmeric or curry to give an exotic flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use short-grain rice or brown rice, but the cooking time will change. Check the instructions on the package.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Vegetable rice is an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, being full of nutrients.

3. How can I make the rice even more flavorful?
Adding spices like cumin, paprika, or curry can completely transform the flavor of the rice.

Now you're ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious vegetable rice! Enjoy your meal!