Rice with Vegetables

Rice with Vegetables Recipe from Egypt | Easy-to-Make & Flavorful

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice with vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines the simplicity of rice with the freshness of vegetables to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Rice with vegetables is a popular dish in many cultures around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings to suit individual tastes. The combination of rice and vegetables provides a balanced meal that is both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 thinly sliced onion
2-3 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2-3 sweet green peppers, finely chopped
2-3 carrots, finely chopped or shredded
2 cups rice
3 cups water
cooking oil
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Saute the first 4 ingredients in a small amount of cooking oil and remove them from the pan. Using the same oil, fry the rice, stirring constantly, until each grain is coated with oil.
Add the water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked, following the directions on the rice packaging.
Add the vegetables and stir well. Heat through if necessary.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or corn.
Add spices such as cumin, paprika, or curry powder for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the rice to enhance their flavor.

- Use a high-quality rice for the best results.

- Stir the rice constantly while frying to ensure that each grain is coated with oil.

- Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the rice packaging to ensure that it is cooked properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve rice with vegetables as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the rice.

- Fry the rice before cooking it to enhance its flavor.

- Simmer the rice with the vegetables to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

- Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of cooking oil for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook the rice and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve rice with vegetables in a bowl or on a plate garnished with fresh herbs. - Serve with a side of yogurt or chutney for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rice with vegetables with a side of naan bread or pita bread.

- Serve with a side of cucumber salad or raita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rice with vegetables 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

Each serving of rice with vegetables contains approximately 250-300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. The vegetables in this dish also contribute to the carbohydrate content.

Fats

The cooking oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish.

Proteins

While this dish is primarily carbohydrate-based, the vegetables also provide some protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this dish are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as gluten (if using rice containing gluten) and soy (if using soy-based cooking oil).

Summary

Rice with vegetables is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Rice with vegetables is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a few basic ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother was a wonderful cook and she had a vast knowledge of recipes that she had learned from her own mother and grandmother.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother in the kitchen, she decided to teach me how to make a dish that she called Rice with Vegetables. I remember the excitement and anticipation that filled me as she gathered all the ingredients we would need for the dish.

We started by washing and chopping an assortment of fresh vegetables – carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions. The vibrant colors of the vegetables filled the kitchen with a sense of warmth and happiness. My grandmother explained to me that the key to making a delicious Rice with Vegetables dish was to use the freshest ingredients possible.

Next, we prepared the rice by washing it thoroughly and then cooking it in a pot with some water. My grandmother taught me how to cook the rice just right so that it would be fluffy and perfectly cooked. As the rice cooked, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of freshly cooked rice.

Once the rice was cooked, we added the chopped vegetables to the pot and mixed everything together gently. My grandmother then added a blend of spices – turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon – to give the dish a warm and aromatic flavor.

As the dish simmered on the stove, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Rice with Vegetables. She told me that when she was a young girl, her own grandmother had taught her how to make the dish using vegetables from their own garden. This recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and now it was my turn to learn how to make it.

After letting the dish cook for a little while longer, my grandmother and I sat down to enjoy our creation together. The Rice with Vegetables was a symphony of flavors – the sweetness of the peas, the crunchiness of the bell peppers, and the earthiness of the carrots all came together perfectly with the fragrant spices.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and to all the women in my family who had come before me. I realized that cooking was more than just a way to nourish our bodies – it was a way to connect with our past, to honor our traditions, and to create memories that would last a lifetime.

From that day on, Rice with Vegetables became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I have made it countless times over the years, each time adding my own twist to the recipe – a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a handful of toasted nuts.

But no matter how I choose to make it, the memory of that first time learning how to make Rice with Vegetables with my grandmother will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a recipe that reminds me of the love, warmth, and tradition that have been passed down through generations in my family. And for that, I am truly grateful.