Seasonal Vegetable & Parmesan Rice Medley
This delightful Seasonal Vegetable & Parmesan Rice Medley is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any main course. Originally discovered in a magazine and lovingly adapted over time, this recipe showcases the best of fresh vegetables, making it a go-to option for any season. Using a variety of vegetables according to what's available, such as tender asparagus, sweet zucchini, and crunchy carrots, this dish not only looks appealing but is bursting with flavor. The umami of sautéed mushrooms blends beautifully with the creamy Parmesan cheese, resulting in a comforting and satisfying side that your family will love.
4
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (low-fat, low sodium, no MSG)
long grain rice
2/3 cup (uncooked)
sweet onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
zucchini
2/3 cup (julienned)
carrot
2/3 cup (julienned)
fresh asparagus
1 1/3 cups (cut into 1-inch pieces)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (grated)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, add the uncooked long grain rice, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
3
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped sweet onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
4
Add the sliced mushrooms, julienned zucchini, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Sauté them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender.
5
Next, stir in the fresh asparagus pieces and dried basil. Cook uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender.
6
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with fresh ground pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful medley!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seasonal Vegetable & Parmesan Rice Medley?
It is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines long grain rice with fresh vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and carrots, finished with savory Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What type of rice is required for this medley?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of uncooked long grain rice.
Is this rice medley gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The medley includes fresh mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, fresh asparagus, and sweet onion.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 7.5g of protein per serving.
How should the chicken broth be prepared?
It is recommended to use 1 1/2 cups of low-fat, low sodium, no MSG chicken broth.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
What is the recommended preparation for the sweet onion?
The sweet onion should be finely chopped.
How should the zucchini and carrots be cut?
Both the zucchini and carrots should be julienned.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
What type of butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
When do I add the mushrooms to the skillet?
Add the sliced mushrooms after the onions have sautéed for 3 to 4 minutes.
How long should the mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots be sautéed?
They should be sautéed for 3 to 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What dried herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
How long do the asparagus and basil need to cook?
They should cook uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, it provides 1.75g of fiber per serving.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
The grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled in at the end when combining the cooked rice and vegetables.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The fresh mushrooms should be sliced.
Can I substitute the chicken broth for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What is the final seasoning used?
The dish is seasoned with fresh ground pepper to taste.
How do I combine the rice and vegetables?
In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked rice gently with the sautéed vegetable mixture and Parmesan.
Should the rice be cooked covered or uncovered?
The rice should be simmered covered for 15 minutes.
Should the asparagus be cooked covered?
No, the instructions specify cooking the asparagus and basil uncovered.
What is the texture of the vegetables once cooked?
The vegetables should be cooked until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This medley should be served hot.
What makes this dish seasonal?
It uses fresh vegetables like asparagus and zucchini that are often associated with seasonal garden harvests.