Golden Crunchy Buttered Rice with Caramelized Carrots and Parmesan Zucchini
Savor the delightful textures and flavors of Golden Crunchy Buttered Rice with Caramelized Carrots and Parmesan Zucchini. This easy-to-make dish combines perfectly cooked long-grain rice with sweet and tender carrots, finished with sautéed zucchini and a rich layer of crispy, buttery goodness. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe invites you to experience a mouthwatering balance of creaminess and crunch. Serve it as a family favorite or at your next gathering to impress your guests!
6
Servings
163
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (divided, melted)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
low sodium chicken broth
2 cups (heated)
long grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
carrot
1/3 cup (peeled and diced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
zucchini
1 lb (sliced thinly)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet with a tightly-fitting lid, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then cover the skillet.
4
Once the broth is boiling, stir in the uncooked rice, diced carrot, and minced garlic. Cover tightly and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.
5
After the rice has finished cooking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the melted butter evenly over the cooked rice.
6
Turn the heat to high. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently press down on the rice to create an even layer.
7
Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini over the top of the rice. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
8
Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the rice layer at the bottom to toast to a rich golden brown. Check occasionally by lifting the lid to monitor progress and aroma.
9
Once cooked, serve the dish warm, ensuring each portion includes a mix of crunchy rice and tender zucchini.
Nutrition Information
7.7g
Fat
19.7g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Crunchy Buttered Rice with Caramelized Carrots and Parmesan Zucchini?
It is a flavorful side dish or light main course featuring long-grain rice cooked with carrots, topped with zucchini and Parmesan, and toasted in butter for a crunchy texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the rice base?
The rice base consists of long grain white rice, low sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 163 calories.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter is required, divided throughout the cooking process.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 3.8g of protein.
How long should the rice cook initially?
The rice should cook covered for 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
How do you achieve the crunchy texture on the bottom?
The crunch is achieved by pressing the cooked rice into an even layer in the skillet and cooking it on medium heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
What type of zucchini preparation is required?
You will need 1 lb of zucchini, sliced thinly.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe uses chicken broth, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
Two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the top.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.7g of fat per serving.
What kind of rice is recommended?
Uncooked long grain white rice is recommended for this recipe.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of heated low sodium chicken broth.
At what heat should the onions be sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 clove of minced garlic.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 19.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking the rice?
Yes, the skillet should be tightly covered while the rice is simmering and during the final toasting phase.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and diced, measuring about 1/3 cup.
How long does the final toasting phase take?
The final phase takes 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat to achieve a golden brown crust.
When do you add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the zucchini before the final covered cooking phase.
Can I use regular salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to taste before the final cooking step.
What tools are needed to press the rice down?
A large spoon or spatula works best to press the rice into an even layer.
Is there a specific way to check if the rice is crunchy?
You can monitor the progress by lifting the lid occasionally to check the aroma and the color of the bottom layer.
How is the melted butter used in the final steps?
Two tablespoons are drizzled over the cooked rice, and the final tablespoon is drizzled over the zucchini.
What makes this dish a comfort food?
The combination of rich butter, melted cheese, and the contrast between tender vegetables and crunchy rice makes it a classic comfort dish.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Can this be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish to serve at gatherings or as a family favorite.
Should the zucchini be cooked separately?
No, the zucchini is placed on top of the cooked rice and steamed/sautéed while the rice base is toasting.