Are you tired of bland, boring rice dishes that leave you craving more? Get ready to transform your dining experience with this mouthwatering Greek-inspired Rice with Vegetables recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean! Packed with vibrant colors, fresh vegetables, and aromatic flavors, this simple yet stunning dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing thoroughly and dicing them into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add diced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate diced zucchini into the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the rice and stir to coat with olive oil and mix with the vegetables, toasting the rice for about 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth to the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed, without lifting the lid during cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the vegetables evenly, and serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for maximum flavor depth
- Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid while simmering - this traps essential steam
- Let the rice rest after cooking to achieve perfect fluffy texture
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of extra virgin olive oil before serving
- Experiment with different seasonal vegetables to keep the dish exciting
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
