Pesto Rice and Vegetables

Pesto Rice and Vegetables Recipe - Italian Cuisine

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

Introduction

Pesto Rice and Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh basil pesto with tender-crisp vegetables and fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Pesto Rice and Vegetables is a modern twist on traditional Italian pesto pasta dishes. The combination of pesto sauce with rice and vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that is both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of packed basil, arugula, watercress, or spinach leaves
1 clove of garlic
0.33 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of olive oil
vegetable cooking spray
1.5 cups of broccoli florets
1 cup of sliced carrots
3 cups of cooked brown or white rice

How to prepare

Finely mince the basil and garlic in a food processor.
Add the cheese and oil. Pulse until combined; scrape the bowl as necessary.
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the broccoli and carrots until tender-crisp.
Stir in the rice and basil mixture. Serve immediately.

Variations

Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the broccoli and carrots until they are tender-crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Use fresh basil for the best flavor in the pesto sauce.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pesto Rice and Vegetables as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to make the pesto sauce quickly and easily.

- Cook the vegetables in a hot skillet to maintain their crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use arugula or kale instead of spinach for a different flavor in the pesto sauce.

- Substitute pecorino or asiago cheese for the parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pesto sauce and cook the rice in advance to save time when making this dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pesto Rice and Vegetables in a large bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 290 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 9g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium from the vegetables and cheese.

Alergens

Contains dairy (parmesan cheese)

Summary

Pesto Rice and Vegetables is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pesto Rice and Vegetables is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pesto Rice and Vegetables. It was a warm summer day, and I had been spending the afternoon at the local farmer's market, perusing the fresh produce and chatting with the vendors. As I wandered from stall to stall, I came across a small stand run by a sweet elderly woman named Mrs. Jenkins.

Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she greeted me and offered me a taste of her homemade pesto. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese all blended together in perfect harmony. I knew right away that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with Mrs. Jenkins, and she was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that she had learned how to make pesto from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I could see the pride in her eyes as she talked about her family's tradition of cooking and how important it was to her to keep that tradition alive.

Mrs. Jenkins invited me back to her home, where she showed me how to make the pesto from scratch. We picked fresh basil from her garden, toasted the pine nuts, and grated the Parmesan cheese. As we worked, she shared stories of her childhood and the meals her grandmother used to make for her.

After the pesto was finished, Mrs. Jenkins suggested we make a simple dish to accompany it - Pesto Rice and Vegetables. She explained that it was a quick and easy meal that was perfect for summer nights when you didn't feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

We cooked the rice until it was fluffy and then mixed in the pesto, along with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to sit down and savor the meal.

As we ate, Mrs. Jenkins and I talked about the importance of passing down recipes and traditions to future generations. She told me that food has a way of connecting us to our past and keeping our memories alive. I felt grateful to have met her and to have learned this delicious recipe that I knew I would treasure for years to come.

Since that day, Pesto Rice and Vegetables has become a staple in my own kitchen. I make it often, especially in the summer when the basil is in full bloom. Every time I take a bite, I am transported back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market, learning from Mrs. Jenkins and feeling a connection to the past.

I am grateful for the people like Mrs. Jenkins who have shared their knowledge and love of cooking with me. Their recipes have become a part of my own culinary repertoire, and I hope to pass them down to my own grandchildren one day. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions - it's about creating memories, connecting with others, and honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations. And for that, I am forever thankful.