Brunch Rice

Vegetarian Brunch Rice Recipe from USA with Carrots, Mushrooms, and Cheddar Cheese

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Brunch Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick and easy dinner. This recipe combines the flavors of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and brown rice to create a satisfying and filling meal that is sure to please the whole family.

History

Brunch Rice is a modern twist on traditional rice dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. This recipe takes inspiration from classic rice dishes like fried rice and risotto, but adds a unique combination of ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 tsp margarine
0.75 cup shredded carrots
0.75 cup diced green pepper
0.75 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
6 egg whites, beaten
2 eggs, beaten
0.5 cup skim milk
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground pepper
3 cups cooked brown rice
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
corn tortillas (optional), warmed

How to prepare

Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add carrots, green pepper, and mushrooms; cook for 2 minutes.
Combine egg whites, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
Add rice and cheese; stir gently to separate the grains.
Heat for 2 minutes.
Serve immediately or spoon the mixture into warm corn tortillas, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version of this dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp to add texture to the dish.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or add in cooked meat or tofu for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brunch Rice with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also top it with salsa or avocado for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables first before adding the eggs to ensure they are cooked through.

- Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients without breaking up the rice grains.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter or oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute white rice for brown rice if desired.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of cheddar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply reheat the vegetables and add the eggs, rice, and cheese when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Brunch Rice in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Brunch Rice pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as orange juice, coffee, or tea. You can also serve it with a side of toast or muffins for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains eggs and dairy (cheese)

Summary

Brunch Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of day.

Summary

Brunch Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of day. With a combination of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and brown rice, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal for brunch, lunch, or dinner!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Brunch Rice. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly bridge game. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of spices and herbs. Margaret was bustling around the stove, a look of concentration on her face as she stirred a pot of rice and vegetables.

"What's cooking, Margaret?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by the delicious scent wafting through the air.

"Oh, just a little recipe I picked up from my cousin in Louisiana," Margaret replied with a smile. "It's a family favorite for brunches, and I thought I'd give it a try today."

As Margaret explained the ingredients and cooking process to me, I couldn't help but be captivated by the way she effortlessly combined flavors and textures to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I watched intently as she added in diced bell peppers, onions, and celery, followed by a generous helping of Cajun seasoning and a splash of chicken broth.

As the rice simmered on the stove, Margaret regaled me with stories of her childhood in the South, where food was not just sustenance but a way of life. She spoke of family gatherings filled with laughter and love, where recipes were passed down from generation to generation like treasured heirlooms.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was more than just a means to an end. It was a way to connect with loved ones, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. Inspired by Margaret's passion for cooking, I knew that I had to learn how to make this Brunch Rice recipe for myself.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the dish in my own kitchen, tweaking the ingredients and proportions until I had perfected the recipe to my own taste. Each time I cooked Brunch Rice, the memories of that sunny afternoon at Margaret's house came flooding back, filling me with a sense of joy and contentment.

As the years passed, I continued to make Brunch Rice for family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday brunches with friends. Each time I served the dish, I would share the story of how I learned to make it, passing on not just the recipe but the love and passion that went into every spoonful.

Today, as I stand in my kitchen preparing a big batch of Brunch Rice for my granddaughter's birthday party, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe has become more than just a dish to me—it's a connection to my past, a link to the loved ones who have taught me so much about the joys of cooking and sharing good food.

As I finish cooking the rice and sprinkle it with fresh herbs, I can already imagine the smiles of delight on my family's faces as they take their first bite. And as I sit down at the table to enjoy the meal with those I hold dear, I know that the tradition of Brunch Rice will live on for generations to come, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.