Rice with Olives

Rice with Olives Recipe - Vegetarian Bulgarian Cuisine

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Rice with olives is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the nuttiness of rice with the briny taste of olives. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

History

Rice with olives is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine, where olives are a staple ingredient. The combination of rice and olives has been enjoyed for centuries, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 finely chopped onion
120 ml / 4 fl oz vegetable oil
225 g / 8 oz rice
300 ml / 10 fl oz water (approx)
12 halved pitted olives
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place the rice in a bowl, cover with boiling water and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook over a medium heat, stirring for 5 minutes.
Add the rice, mix well to coat the rice with oil.
Add the water, bring to a boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Drain the rice, then add to the rice, mix well and cook for a further 8–10 minutes or until the rice is tender, adding more water if necessary.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
To serve – season with freshly ground black pepper and serve at room temperature.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Mix in some feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Use different types of olives such as Kalamata or green olives for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve rice with olives as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute black olives with green olives or a mix of both for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice with olives can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve rice with olives in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rice with olives with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rice with olives 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

One serving of rice with olives contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of rice with olives contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of rice with olives contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

One serving of rice with olives contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice with olives is a good source of vitamin E, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Rice with olives is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients.

Summary

Rice with olives is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its nutty rice and briny olives, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend in Greece. We were sitting outside on her patio, enjoying the sunshine and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of the sea. She had prepared a delicious meal for us, and one of the dishes that caught my eye was a simple yet flavorful dish of rice with olives.

I had never thought of combining rice and olives before, but as soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The tangy saltiness of the olives paired perfectly with the fluffy rice, and the dish was finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. It was a dish that tasted like summer in a bowl, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My friend graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She showed me how to cook the rice perfectly, so that each grain was tender and fluffy, and how to infuse it with the briny flavor of the olives. She also taught me the importance of using good quality olives, as they were the star of the dish.

After returning home, I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - rice, olives, fresh herbs, and olive oil - and set to work. As the rice simmered on the stove, I could already smell the delicious aroma of the olives wafting through the air.

When the dish was finally ready, I took my first bite and was transported back to that sunny patio in Greece. The flavors were just as vibrant and delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a dish from a place that held a special spot in my heart.

Over the years, I continued to make rice with olives whenever I wanted a taste of summer. I would often serve it as a side dish at family gatherings, where it never failed to receive rave reviews. My grandchildren especially loved it, and would always ask me to make it whenever they came to visit.

As time went on, I started to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist by incorporating different herbs and spices. Sometimes I would throw in some roasted vegetables or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. No matter how I prepared it, the dish always retained that essence of summer that I had fallen in love with.

I have shared the recipe for rice with olives with many friends and family members over the years, and each time I do, I am reminded of that sunny day in Greece when I first discovered it. It has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

So here it is, my recipe for rice with olives, passed down to me by a dear friend in Greece and now shared with you. I hope that it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. Enjoy!