Spring Vegetable Rice Recipes

QUICK ONE POT VEGETABLE RICE

Steps:

• If using basmati or Asian rice it's best to wash and soak for 30 mins before cooking. Drain and set aside. Pro tip - soaking the rice makes for even cooking as well as makes it light and fluffy.
• In a skillet, saute' onions, garlic, and ginger in oil for about 2 minutes until translucent.Pro tip - Use a wide skillet for cooking rice to ensure even cooking.
• Add cinnamon, bay leaves, carrots, peas, and green beans - saute a minute more.Pro tip - we want the veggies to coat with the oil. If using frozen veggies do not cook for too long.
• Next, add the rice and cook on medium heat for two minutes so the rice is well coated with the oil.Pro tip- sauteing the rice will coat every grain with oil and lightly toast it. This makes very fluffy rice.
• Add stock, fresh herbs - and stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a low simmer and cover with a lid.
• Cook on low for 15 minutes undisturbed. After 15 minutes - switch the heat off and let the rice rest for 10 minutes.Pro tip - the rice will continue to cook in the residue heat making it just right.
• When ready to serve - fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with more fresh herbs. I like to serve it on its own with raita (recipe below) or along with the main course.

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

VEGETABLE FRIED RICE

Steps:

• In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, garlic and pepper flakes, to taste. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Increase heat to medium-high and stir in cooked rice, green onions and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add peas and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Add sesame oil and mix well. Garnish with peanuts, if desired.

RICE VEGETABLE MEDLEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, soup mix and salt; bring to a boil. Add the vegetables; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cook until rice and vegetables are tender.

EASY VEGETABLE RICE MEDLEY

Steps:

• Heat oil in a skillet.
• Add onion, carrot, celery, and red pepper; cook 5 minutes or until tender.
• Add broth; bring to a boil.
• Stir in rice and peas; cover.
• Simmer 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
• ****To save time, replace all the veggies with 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables or frozen broccoli florets and add them when you would have added the peas.

YELLOW RICE WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, carrot, broccoli, red bell pepper, and garlic in hot oil until garlic just begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Pour vegetable broth into the saucepan; add rice, sazon seasoning, and adobo seasoning and stir. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork to serve.