Imagine a dish that combines the nutty richness of brown rice, the fresh crunch of zucchini, and the irresistible allure of melted cheddar cheese - all in one mouthwatering recipe! This Cheesy Zucchini Brown Rice is not just a side dish; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick and nutritious meal or a food lover seeking a crowd-pleasing recipe, this dish promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed brown rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the toasted rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, dice the zucchinis into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- After 25 minutes, check the rice for tenderness. If liquid is absorbed and rice is nearly done, add the diced zucchini on top of the rice without stirring.
- Cover and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until zucchini is tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice and zucchini.
- Gently fluff the rice and zucchini with a fork, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy grains.
- Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and gives the dish more depth.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to add extra flavor to the rice.
- Cut zucchini into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't stir the rice while it's cooking - this helps maintain the perfect texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt completely.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley when toasting the rice.
- Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the most robust flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
