Autumn Garden Skillet

Autumn Garden Skillet Recipe - Vegetarian Dish with Onion, Green Pepper, Tomatoes, Rice, and Cheddar

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

The Autumn Garden Skillet is a vibrant, comforting dish that embodies the essence of fall with its hearty ingredients and warm flavors. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something filling yet nutritious. It combines the simplicity of vegetables and rice with the rich taste of cheese, all brought together in a single skillet for ease of preparation and cleanup. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and become a staple in your autumn culinary repertoire.

History

The Autumn Garden Skillet has its roots in the tradition of using seasonal vegetables to create hearty meals. This practice dates back centuries and spans many cultures, reflecting the human instinct to harvest and utilize what the earth provides. The recipe, as we know it today, is a modern interpretation that combines elements of traditional skillet meals with the convenience of frozen vegetables and the universal appeal of cheese. It's a testament to the evolution of cooking, where simplicity meets flavor in the most delightful way.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 14-0.5 oz (14 g) can peeled whole tomatoes, crushed
3 cup hot cooked rice
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp chili powder
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
1.5 cup (6 oz (170 g)) grated cheddar cheese, divided

How to prepare

In a 10-inch skillet, cook the onion and green pepper in butter until tender-crisp.
Stir in the mixed vegetables, tomatoes, rice, garlic salt, chili powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
Cook over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Top with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese.

Variations

Consider these variations to tailor the dish to your taste:
Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice for a whole-grain option.
Incorporate different vegetables based on seasonality and preference.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best outcome for your Autumn Garden Skillet, consider these tips and tricks:

- Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a flavor boost.

- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add the green peppers towards the end of the cooking process.

- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of or alongside the chili powder.

- Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Autumn Garden Skillet hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the skillet cooking method, which allows for the flavors to meld beautifully under consistent heat. Stirring occasionally is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used in place of margarine for a healthier fat option.

- Any meltable cheese can substitute for cheddar, depending on your flavor preference.

- Fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. The entire dish can also be made in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serving in individual bowls with a sprinkle of cheese on top can elevate the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a fruity red complements the flavors of the Autumn Garden Skillet beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of the Autumn Garden Skillet contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a moderately calorie-dense meal, ideal for those looking for a satisfying yet not overly heavy option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice and vegetables. A single serving provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 15% of the daily recommended intake. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, making this dish an excellent choice for fueling your body.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the margarine and cheese. A serving contains about 12 grams of fat, with 7 grams being saturated fat. While cheese adds a rich flavor and creamy texture, using a reduced-fat cheese can lower the fat content without compromising taste.

Proteins

Proteins in the Autumn Garden Skillet are provided by the cheese, contributing to about 15 grams per serving. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, making this dish a satisfying option that supports your body's needs.

Vitamins and minerals

This skillet is packed with vitamins and minerals from its vegetable components. It's particularly rich in Vitamin C, thanks to the green peppers and tomatoes, and provides a good amount of calcium from the cheese. Additionally, it offers iron, potassium, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are dairy (from the cheese) and gluten (if using certain brands of margarine). Individuals with sensitivities to these should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, the Autumn Garden Skillet is a balanced meal offering a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious option that doesn't sacrifice flavor for health.

Summary

The Autumn Garden Skillet is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious meal that celebrates the bounty of the season. It's easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to become a fall favorite in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and there was a chill in the air. I had just finished harvesting the last of my garden vegetables and was looking for a new recipe to try. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, a worn piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. It was a handwritten recipe for Autumn Garden Skillet.

I carefully unfolded the paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. It called for a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that I had just picked from my garden. The combination of flavors sounded delicious and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and began to cook. As the vegetables sizzled in the skillet, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen. I could already tell this dish was going to be a hit. I added a splash of white wine and let it simmer until the vegetables were tender and the flavors had melded together perfectly.

When I took the first bite of the Autumn Garden Skillet, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe. The flavors were rich and comforting, with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. It was the perfect dish to warm me up on a chilly autumn evening.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I made it for Sunday dinner the following week and everyone raved about how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that I had come up with such a flavorful dish. I proudly told them the story of how I had discovered the recipe and how it had quickly become a new favorite in my kitchen.

As the years went by, the Autumn Garden Skillet became a staple in my recipe collection. I would make it whenever I had an abundance of fresh vegetables from my garden or when I wanted a comforting meal to warm me up on a cold day. It was a versatile dish that could be served as a side or a main course, and it never failed to impress.

I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding new ingredients and tweaking the flavors to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would add in some roasted chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or swap out the vegetables for whatever was in season. No matter how I changed it up, the Autumn Garden Skillet always turned out delicious.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with countless friends and family members who all fell in love with it just as I had. It became a tradition to make it for special occasions or whenever we wanted a taste of comfort and nostalgia. The recipe had become a part of our family history, passed down from generation to generation.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen surrounded by the aroma of garlic and herbs, I can't help but feel grateful for the day I stumbled upon that old piece of paper with the handwritten recipe for Autumn Garden Skillet. It has brought me so much joy and has become a beloved recipe in my collection. I will continue to make it for years to come, sharing its delicious flavors with all those I hold dear.