Mediterranean Garden Fried Rice
This Mediterranean Garden Fried Rice is a delicious twist on traditional fried rice. Filled with vibrant flavors from sautéed artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and aromatic onions and garlic, this dish brings together the best of Italian-inspired ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for your favorite protein, this recipe is not only visually appealing but also nutritious. With a hint of parmesan adding a creamy richness, each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Share this dish with friends and family or enjoy it as a satisfying vegetarian meal all on its own. Serve warm and garnish with extra parmesan for an indulgent touch!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Artichoke hearts
8 medium (chopped)
Onion
1 large (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Shallot
1 large (finely chopped)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Spinach
2 cups (shredded)
Cooked rice
4 cups (cold)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic cloves, and finely chopped shallot. Sauté until the mixture is tender and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
2
Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to warm through and absorb the flavors.
3
Stir in the shredded spinach and continue to sauté until just wilted, approximately another 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and set aside.
4
In the same frying pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cold cooked rice. Stir-fry the rice for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly crispy.
5
Incorporate the spinach and artichoke mixture back into the pan with the rice, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
6
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly. Stir gently to distribute the cheese throughout the dish.
7
Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garden Fried Rice?
It is a delicious twist on traditional fried rice featuring Italian-inspired ingredients like sautéed artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include artichoke hearts, onion, garlic, shallot, olive oil, spinach, cold cooked rice, and parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Mediterranean Garden Fried Rice is a vegetarian meal.
Why should I use cold rice for this recipe?
Using cold rice is ideal for stir-frying because it helps the rice become slightly crispy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
How long does it take to sauté the onion and garlic mixture?
The onions, garlic, and shallot should be sautéed for approximately 10 minutes until tender and fragrant.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
The recipe requires 8 medium artichoke hearts that have been chopped.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 2 cups of shredded spinach.
How long should the spinach be cooked?
Sauté the shredded spinach for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is just wilted.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided throughout the cooking process.
What type of cheese is used in this fried rice?
Grated parmesan cheese is used to add a creamy richness to the dish.
How long do I stir-fry the rice?
The cold rice should be stir-fried for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it works perfectly as a side dish for your favorite protein or as a standalone vegetarian meal.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, according to its tags, this is a budget-friendly recipe.
How do I garnish the dish?
You can garnish the dish with additional grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The recipe calls for one large onion that should be thinly sliced.
Should the shallot be chopped a specific way?
The shallot should be finely chopped before being added to the pan.
What pan is best for this recipe?
A large frying pan is recommended for sautéing the vegetables and stir-frying the rice.
Does this recipe have any Italian influence?
Yes, it is described as having Italian-inspired ingredients like artichokes and parmesan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this dish high in protein?
No, this recipe is tagged as being a low protein meal.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the rice and vegetable mixture at the end, allowing it to melt slightly.
Can I prepare the vegetables and rice separately?
Yes, the instructions suggest cooking the vegetable mixture first and setting it aside while you fry the rice.
What should the texture of the rice be?
The rice should be heated through and slightly crispy after stir-frying for several minutes.
How many shallots are needed?
One large shallot is required for this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What should I do with the artichokes once added to the pan?
Cook them for an additional 5 minutes after adding them to the onion mixture to allow them to warm through.
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, the recipe specifies using shredded fresh spinach.
How is the final dish served?
The dish is served warm, ideally with an extra garnish of parmesan cheese.