Description
This Cheesy Rice with Vegetables is a comforting dish featuring fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect as a main course or side, offering a delightful and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups of uncooked rice (long-grain or basmati preferred)
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of frozen peas (or fresh if available)
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the broth, add salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme (or Italian seasoning). Stir and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes; if needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, prepare your vegetables. If using fresh peas, shell them; if using frozen, skip this step.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes to steam the rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the peas and diced bell peppers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the rice and vegetables. Reserve some cheese for topping if desired.
- Cover the pot again and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Uncover and gently stir to combine the melted cheese with the rice and veggies.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- For a crispy top, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle reserved cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a minute before serving, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- This dish can be served warm as a main course or side dish.
- Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes