Tomato Soup II

We start with a delicious vegetable rice recipe, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal. The first step is to prepare the necessary ingredients. We need one cup of rice, preferably long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil, one medium onion finely chopped, one medium carrot diced, a red or green bell pepper, diced, and optionally other vegetables like peas or zucchini. I will also use one liter of water, salt to taste, 200 ml of broth, and two and a half tablespoons of sugar, which will balance the acidity of the broth and add a pleasant sweet taste.

We start by putting the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, we add the rice and lightly fry it, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The rice should become slightly translucent, a sign that it is ready for the next step. After about 2-3 minutes, we add the chopped onion and vegetables, continuing to sauté the mixture for a few minutes until the onion becomes glassy and the vegetables begin to soften.

It’s time to pour in a liter of water, which will help cook the rice and vegetables. We sprinkle salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it, as the broth we will add later already contains salt. We cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is well cooked and has absorbed all the water.

After the rice and vegetables are cooked, we add the broth and mix well. This step is essential, as the broth will provide a deep and flavorful taste to our dish. Once we have incorporated the broth, we adjust the taste with the two and a half tablespoons of sugar. This ingredient will bring a perfect balance between sweet and sour, elevating the dish to another level of delight.

Finally, we let the rice cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Once everything is ready, we serve the hot rice, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley, which will add a touch of freshness and color. This dish is not only tasty but also extremely nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a family meal or with friends. Enjoy your meal!