Riso con Vegetali

Riso con Vegetali Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Rice Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Riso con Vegetali is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that combines rice with a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Riso con Vegetali has its roots in Italian cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes. This particular recipe combines the flavors of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese with a mix of frozen Italian vegetables for a tasty and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 x 14.5- to 16 oz (454 g) can tomatoes
1.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 x 18 oz (510 g) package frozen Italian vegetables
4.5 cup hot cooked rice
0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, cook the onion and garlic in butter over medium-high heat until they are tender crisp, which should take about 3 minutes.
Next, add the tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper sauce to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After that, add the vegetables to the saucepan and cook them over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
To serve, place the mixture over beds of fluffy rice and top it with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Substitute the Parmesan cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion and garlic until they are tender crisp to release their flavors.

- Stir the mixture occasionally while cooking to ensure that the flavors are well blended.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Riso con Vegetali with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Let the flavors meld together by simmering the sauce for at least 25 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Riso con Vegetali can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Riso con Vegetali in individual bowls topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Riso con Vegetali with a light and fruity red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Riso con Vegetali in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Riso con Vegetali contains approximately 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Riso con Vegetali contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Riso con Vegetali contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Riso con Vegetali contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Riso con Vegetali is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the vegetables and tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and may contain gluten from the rice. Please check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Riso con Vegetali is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Riso con Vegetali is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a mix of vegetables, rice, and seasonings, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious Italian recipe with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Riso con Vegetali. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was an excellent cook, and I always looked forward to trying out her delicious creations.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on homemade limoncello, Maria suddenly got up and rummaged through a drawer in the corner of the room. She pulled out an old, tattered recipe book that looked like it had seen better days. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she handed me the book and pointed to a page that had a faded, handwritten recipe for Riso con Vegetali.

I was intrigued. I had never heard of this dish before, but the combination of rice and vegetables sounded intriguing. Maria explained that it was a traditional Italian recipe that her grandmother used to make, and she had learned how to make it from her. She told me that it was a simple yet flavorful dish that was perfect for using up leftover vegetables from the garden.

I eagerly copied down the recipe, making sure to note down every detail and ingredient. Maria watched me with a smile on her face, knowing that I was excited to try out this new recipe.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own kitchen. The recipe called for basic ingredients like rice, onion, garlic, tomato, zucchini, and bell pepper. It was a simple yet hearty dish that was perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

As I chopped and sautéed the vegetables, the aroma of garlic and onions filled the kitchen, reminding me of my time in Maria's kitchen. I added the rice and vegetable broth, letting it simmer until the rice was cooked to perfection. The colors of the vegetables blended together beautifully, creating a vibrant and appetizing dish.

When I took my first bite of the Riso con Vegetali, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen in Italy. The flavors were robust and comforting, a true testament to the simplicity and beauty of Italian cuisine. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, just like it had in Maria's.

Over the years, I have made Riso con Vegetali countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added different vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it my own. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings back memories of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen.

I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful recipe and for inspiring me to explore the world of Italian cooking. It is a reminder that food has the power to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to different cultures. And for that, I will always cherish the recipe for Riso con Vegetali.