Veg Rice

Veg Rice Recipe | Nicaraguan Vegetarian Dish with Red Peppers and Black Beans

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Veg Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a healthy meal. This recipe is packed with flavorful vegetables and protein-rich black beans, making it a satisfying and filling option for lunch or dinner.

History

Veg Rice is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, known for its simplicity and versatility. It is often made with a variety of vegetables and beans, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

2 whole dried red peppers or 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried leaf thyme or 1 tsp ground thyme
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced lengthwise into quarters and then into 0.25 inch thick slices
1 large or 2 medium leeks (white parts only), rinsed and sliced lengthwise into 0.5 inch thick slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced lengthwise into 0.5 inch wide slices
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced lengthwise into 0.5 inch wide slices
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced lengthwise into 0.5 inch thick slices
2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 large tomato, sliced into 0.25 inch thick slices
2 16 oz (454 g) cans black beans
Thin lime or orange slices, and cilantro sprigs for garnish
Cooked rice (optional)

How to prepare

Heat a small amount of vegetable broth or water in a saucepan and add dried red peppers or crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, and thyme. Reduce heat and cook for 1 minute.
Add sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Add leeks and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Stir in bell peppers and onion, and cook for 5 more minutes.
Add lime juice, mix well, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add tomato slices.
Coat a saucepan with nonstick cooking spray and set it over low heat.
Add beans and cook, stirring, until heated through, approximately 3 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
Place beans in a casserole dish or serving bowl, and add the cooked vegetables.
Garnish with lime or orange slices and cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.
Serve over rice if desired.
Makes 6 servings.

Variations

Add tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.
Add your favorite herbs or spices for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- For a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes.

- Make sure to drain excess liquid from the beans before adding them to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Veg Rice with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Veg Rice is to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute any vegetables you have on hand for this recipe. Feel free to get creative and use what you have in your fridge.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. This will save you time when you are ready to make the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Veg Rice with fresh cilantro sprigs and a squeeze of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Veg Rice pairs well with a side of avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Veg Rice is a nutritious and balanced meal that is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Veg Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a healthy meal. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich black beans, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Veg Rice. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha's house. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, Martha told me that she was going to teach me how to make Veg Rice, a recipe that she had learned from her grandmother who had brought it with her from India. I was intrigued by the idea of learning a traditional Indian recipe, as I had always been fascinated by the flavors and spices used in Indian cuisine.

Martha started by showing me all the ingredients we would need to make the Veg Rice - basmati rice, mixed vegetables, spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, and some fresh coriander leaves for garnish. As we began the cooking process, Martha explained to me the importance of toasting the spices in hot oil to release their flavors and create a fragrant base for the dish.

As the rice simmered away in a pot, I watched Martha effortlessly chop vegetables and stir in the spices with the expertise of someone who had been cooking for years. She shared stories of her childhood in India and how her grandmother used to make Veg Rice for their family on special occasions.

I could see the love and care that Martha put into her cooking, and it made me realize the importance of passing down recipes through generations. As the aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of connection to Martha's heritage and the traditions that she held dear.

When the Veg Rice was finally ready, Martha served it up in colorful bowls and garnished it with fresh coriander leaves. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain fluffy and fragrant with the flavors of the spices. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of warmth and comfort, where food was not just sustenance but a celebration of life and family.

I thanked Martha for sharing her recipe with me and vowed to make it a regular dish in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have perfected the recipe for Veg Rice, adding my own twist with different vegetables and spices to suit my taste. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting bowl of rice that brings me back to that hot summer day in Martha's kitchen, where I learned the magic of Indian cooking from a dear friend.