Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice

Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines a variety of colorful vegetables with savory bacon and Parmesan cheese on a bed of hearty brown rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The combination of vegetables with rice has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. This particular recipe adds a modern twist by incorporating bacon and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.

Ingredients

1 cup of broccoli florets
0.75 cup of julienned red bell pepper
0.75 cup of sliced carrots
0.5 cup of sliced onion
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 cups of hot cooked brown rice
0.25 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of chopped fresh basil
parmesan cheese for garnish

How to prepare

Combine broccoli, pepper, carrots, and onion. Steam until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
Add bacon and toss lightly.
Combine rice, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
Serve vegetables over rice.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Substitute different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas for a different flavor profile.
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steam the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

- Cooking the bacon until it is crispy will add a delicious crunch to the dish.

- Mixing the rice with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving adds a burst of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice as a main dish for a light and healthy meal. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the vegetables helps to retain their nutrients and vibrant colors, while cooking the bacon until crispy adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, protein, or cheese. You can also use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and rice ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

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

Each serving of Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and pork (bacon) allergens.

Summary

Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a mix of colorful vegetables, savory bacon, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a simple yet elegant dish called Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the hearty texture of the brown rice, and the tantalizing aroma of the herbs and spices all combined to create a dish that seemed to promise a symphony of flavors.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her exquisite culinary skills. She had invited me over for dinner, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell something amazing cooking on the stove.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she started telling me about the dish she was preparing. She explained that it was a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a wise old woman in the countryside many years ago.

As Martha chopped the vegetables and sautéed them in a pan, the colors and aromas filled the kitchen, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. I watched intently as she added the herbs and spices, each one carefully measured and added with precision.

Finally, the dish was ready. Martha spooned the vegetable medley over a bed of fluffy brown rice, and then she garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The sight of the dish was almost too beautiful to eat, but the enticing smell and the grumbling of my stomach convinced me otherwise.

I took my first bite, and it was like a burst of flavor exploded in my mouth. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, still slightly crisp and bursting with freshness. The rice was fluffy and nutty, a perfect canvas for the colorful medley on top. The herbs and spices added a depth of flavor that was both comforting and exciting.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. I asked Martha for the recipe, and she happily shared it with me. I took notes, asked questions, and made mental notes of every step and every ingredient.

When I returned home that evening, I couldn't wait to try making the Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice for myself. I gathered all the ingredients, carefully chopped the vegetables, and lovingly cooked the dish just as Martha had taught me.

The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and when I finally sat down to eat, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I had never experienced before. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I savored each bite, relishing in the memories of that wonderful evening at Martha's house.

Since that day, Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice has become a staple in my kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Martha had passed down to me. Each time I make the dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on that fateful evening with Martha, I am filled with gratitude for the many wonderful recipes and culinary experiences that have enriched my life. And I am grateful for the simple yet profound joy of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and nourishing dish, look no further than Vegetable Medley on Brown Rice. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations, and cherished for its beauty, its flavor, and its ability to bring people together in the simple act of sharing a meal.