Are you tired of bland, boring side dishes that leave your taste buds begging for more? Get ready to discover a mouthwatering rice and vegetable recipe that will elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary! This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is about to become your new go-to side that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With just a few fresh ingredients and some culinary magic, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side that's both nutritious and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become slightly tender.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the vegetables and stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan with the vegetables and stir to coat the rice grains with oil and mix with the vegetables.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring all rice and vegetables are submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- After cooking time, remove from heat and let the rice stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to complete the cooking process.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, gently mixing the vegetables throughout, and serve hot as a delicious vegetarian side dish.
Tips
- Rinsing Rice is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. This prevents clumping and ensures each grain is perfectly separate and fluffy.
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Use a mix of colorful vegetables for both visual appeal and nutritional variety. Don't be afraid to experiment with seasonal produce!
- Control Your Heat: When simmering, keep the heat low and resist the temptation to peek. A tight-fitting lid is crucial for trapping steam and cooking rice evenly.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Season Creatively: While this recipe uses garlic powder, feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to make it your own.Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can toast the rice in olive oil for a minute before adding broth to bring out a nutty, rich taste that will take this side dish to the next level!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
