Baked Rice with Hummus

Baked Rice with Hummus Recipe - Vegetarian Dish with Brown Rice, Cheddar, and Fresh Vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Baked Rice with Hummus is a delightful, hearty dish that combines the creamy, rich flavors of hummus with the comforting texture of baked rice. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, vegan meal that doesn't skimp on flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its blend of spices, vegetables, and vegan cheese. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a versatile and satisfying choice.

History

The concept of combining rice with hummus is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, where both ingredients are staples. Hummus, a spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, has been enjoyed in various forms for centuries. Rice dishes, similarly, are a fundamental component of many meals across the region. This recipe takes these traditional elements and combines them in a unique, baked format, infusing them with a selection of vegetables and spices for a modern twist on classic flavors.

Ingredients

3 cups of brown short grain rice
hummus (you can make your own - recipe below)
100 g grated vegan cheddar cheese
3 cloves of garlic
1 leek
2 spring onions or 1 onion
1 zucchini
0.5 green pepper
1 carrot
1 cup of tomato purée
1 tsp of fenugreek
1 tsp of vegan white wine vinegar
ground pepper

How to prepare

Start by boiling the rice. Add rice to hummus and grated cheese.
(To make hummus, blend 1 can of chickpeas with 150 ml of tahini and the juice of two lemons).

Sauce

Heat about 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan.
Fry garlic, onions, and leeks gently, then add the fenugreek.
Add carrot, green pepper, and finally the zucchini.
Cook for about 10 minutes.
Add tomato puree, vinegar, and ground black pepper, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to gas mark 3.
Butter a medium-sized loaf tin.
Pour in half of the rice mixture, then top with the sauce mixture.
Finally, finish off with the rest of the rice mixture and grated cheese on top.
Cook in the oven for around 30 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier version, add chili flakes to the sauce or a dollop of harissa on top before serving.
Mix in other vegetables according to seasonality or preference, such as spinach, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
Substitute brown rice with quinoa for a different texture and an extra protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked Rice with Hummus turns out perfectly, consider these tips:

- Use short-grain brown rice for its ability to hold together well, making it ideal for baking.

- When making the hummus, ensure it's creamy and smooth for the best texture in the final dish.

- Sauté your vegetables until just tender to avoid them becoming too soft during the baking process.

- Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary before combining it with the rice.

- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Baked Rice with Hummus hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A side salad of mixed greens or a simple cucumber and tomato salad complements the flavors well.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the rice after combining it with the hummus and vegetables allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheese to melt into a deliciously golden topping. Ensuring the rice is partially cooked before baking prevents it from becoming too mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If vegan cheddar cheese isn't available, any plant-based cheese that melts well can be used.

- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice for a slightly different citrus note in the hummus.

- For those not adhering to a vegan diet, traditional cheddar cheese can replace the vegan version.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared up to the point of baking and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a colorful dish to contrast the creamy hues of the rice and hummus. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of paprika or za'atar for an extra touch of Middle Eastern flair.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a lemon-infused sparkling water pairs beautifully with the flavors of this dish. For a heartier accompaniment, consider a robust, earthy red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Baked Rice with Hummus contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly heavy meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of complex carbohydrates, primarily from the brown rice and chickpeas. Complex carbohydrates are essential for energy and help to keep you feeling full longer. A serving of this baked rice provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the tahini in the hummus and the vegan cheddar cheese. These are healthier fats, important for brain health and energy. Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat, a moderate amount that fits well into a balanced diet.

Proteins

Chickpeas and brown rice together create a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. This dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein, with each serving offering around 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This baked rice dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from the carrots, Vitamin C from the peppers, and various B vitamins from the brown rice and chickpeas. It's also a good source of iron and magnesium, crucial for energy levels and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe is free from most common allergens, including dairy, eggs, and nuts. However, it does contain sesame (from tahini) and gluten (depending on the brand of vegan cheese used). Always check labels if you're cooking for someone with specific dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Baked Rice with Hummus is a nutritious, balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that supports a healthy diet.

Summary

Baked Rice with Hummus is a versatile, nutritious dish that brings together the comforting texture of baked rice with the rich flavors of hummus and vegetables. Perfect for a variety of occasions, it's a recipe that invites experimentation and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a satisfying main course or a hearty side, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a local farmer's market when I stumbled upon a small stand selling homemade hummus. The smell of garlic and lemon wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I approached the stand, I struck up a conversation with the woman behind the counter. She was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, and she greeted me with a friendly hello. We chatted for a while about the different flavors of hummus she had available, and I ended up purchasing a container of her classic garlic hummus.

As I walked away from the stand, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the woman's passion for cooking. I decided right then and there that I wanted to learn how to make my own hummus from scratch. I asked the woman if she had a recipe she could share with me, and she gladly obliged.

The recipe was simple yet flavorful, calling for just a few basic ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The woman explained to me the process of blending the ingredients together until they formed a smooth and creamy paste, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

When I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. I followed the woman's instructions to a tee, blending the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil together in my food processor until they were perfectly combined. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew right then that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After tasting a spoonful of the freshly made hummus, I was hooked. The creamy texture, the tangy lemon flavor, the subtle hint of garlic – it was a perfect balance of flavors that left me craving more. I knew then and there that I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

But my culinary journey didn't stop there. As I continued to experiment with different variations of hummus, I stumbled upon a unique twist that would forever change the way I made this beloved dish – baked rice with hummus.

It all started one evening when I was preparing dinner for my family. I had a pot of rice cooking on the stove and a fresh batch of hummus sitting in the fridge, waiting to be devoured. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head – why not combine the two?

I quickly whipped up a simple tomato and herb sauce to mix in with the rice, then spread a generous layer of hummus on top before popping it in the oven to bake. The result was nothing short of magical – the creamy hummus melded with the fluffy rice to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that moment on, baked rice with hummus became a staple in my household. It was a dish that never failed to impress my friends and family, and I loved seeing the smiles on their faces as they took their first bite. The recipe was a hit, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding different ingredients and flavors to suit my mood. Sometimes I would mix in roasted vegetables for added texture, or sprinkle feta cheese on top for a savory kick. No matter how I chose to dress it up, the dish was always a crowd-pleaser.

As I look back on my culinary journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the woman at the farmer's market who unknowingly sparked my passion for cooking. Her simple recipe for hummus opened up a world of possibilities for me, inspiring me to experiment and create dishes that brought joy to those around me.

And so, I continue to cook and create, always on the lookout for new recipes and flavors to add to my ever-growing collection. But no matter how many dishes I whip up in my kitchen, baked rice with hummus will always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of where it all began, with a simple recipe and a sense of excitement.