Vegetable Rice Pizza

Vegetable Rice Pizza Recipe - Italian Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Rice Pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza, using a rice crust instead of dough. Packed with vegetables and cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History

The origins of Vegetable Rice Pizza are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created as a healthier alternative to traditional pizza crust. By using rice as the base, this recipe offers a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of cooked brown or white rice
1 beaten egg
0.5 cup (2 oz / 57 g) of shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup of tomato sauce
1 tsp of italian seasoning
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (4 oz / 113 g) of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
0.33 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms
0.33 cup of thinly sliced zucchini
0.25 cup of sliced ripe olives
0.25 cup of diced red pepper
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Combine rice, egg, and cheddar cheese.
Press the mixture into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or a 10-inch pie pan. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes.
Combine tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the rice crust.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Layer 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper.
Top with the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese and parsley.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Experiment with different vegetable toppings, such as spinach, broccoli, or artichokes.
Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is slightly sticky, as this will help hold the crust together.

- Pressing the rice mixture firmly into the pan will help create a solid crust that won't fall apart when sliced.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences - the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetable Rice Pizza with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice.

- Substitute vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

- Use your favorite pizza sauce in place of tomato sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice crust and toppings ahead of time and assemble just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Vegetable Rice Pizza with fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vegetable Rice Pizza with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vegetable Rice Pizza contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vegetable Rice Pizza contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vegetable Rice Pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Vegetable Rice Pizza contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetable Rice Pizza is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Vegetable Rice Pizza is a nutritious and delicious meal option, packed with vegetables, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable Rice Pizza is a creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal option. Packed with vegetables, protein, and essential nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old dusty cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a worn, yellowed recipe for Vegetable Rice Pizza.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients intrigued me. Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic - all piled on top of a bed of fluffy rice and melted cheese. It sounded like a delicious and unique twist on a classic pizza.

Excited to try something new, I set out to gather the ingredients and began following the recipe step by step. As I chopped the vegetables and sautéed them in a skillet, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. I cooked the rice until it was perfectly tender and spread it out on a baking sheet, forming a crust for the pizza.

Once the vegetables were cooked to perfection, I spread them over the rice crust and sprinkled generous amounts of cheese on top. I slid the pizza into the oven and waited eagerly for it to bake to golden perfection.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the Vegetable Rice Pizza out of the oven and marveled at its beauty. The cheese was melted and bubbly, the vegetables were tender and flavorful, and the rice crust was crispy on the edges. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste my creation.

As I took my first bite, a wave of flavors washed over me - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the bell peppers, the savory garlic and onions, all melded together in perfect harmony. The rice crust added a unique texture and held all the toppings together perfectly. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew I had stumbled upon a new family favorite.

I shared the Vegetable Rice Pizza with my loved ones, and they couldn't get enough of it. They marveled at the creativity of the dish and praised my skills in the kitchen. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had discovered such a delicious and unique recipe.

Over the years, I have made Vegetable Rice Pizza countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added different vegetables, experimented with different cheeses, and even tried different seasonings to enhance the flavors. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the original recipe remains the same - a perfect combination of flavors and textures that never fails to impress.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations just as my own grandmother did with me. It has become a staple in our household, a go-to dish for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.

As I sit here recounting the story of how I discovered the recipe for Vegetable Rice Pizza, I can't help but feel grateful for the joy and memories it has brought into my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and finding new and exciting recipes like this one only fuels that passion further.

So here I am, a seasoned cook with a treasure trove of recipes at my disposal, still learning and exploring in the kitchen. And who knows what other culinary delights I may discover in the years to come. But one thing is for certain - the memory of that fateful day when I first found the recipe for Vegetable Rice Pizza will always hold a special place in my heart.