Vibrant Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Elevate your dinner table with this Vibrant Vegetable Rice Pilaf, a colorful and nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This delightful side features sautéed leeks or onions, together with shredded carrots and zucchini, all enveloped in fluffy long-grain rice. The addition of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor, making it not only appealing to the eye but also a delicious accompaniment to any main course. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile, this pilaf is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
N/A
Servings
91
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Leeks or onion
1 small (finely chopped)
Long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups (none)
Carrot
1 small (peeled and shredded)
Zucchini
1 small (shredded)
Hot water or chicken broth
3 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped leeks or onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
3
Increase the heat to high and add the long-grain rice, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes to toast the grains.
4
Lower the heat back to medium and stir in the shredded carrot and zucchini; cook for another minute to soften the vegetables.
5
Gradually pour in the hot water or chicken broth and gently stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium-low.
7
Allow the pilaf to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
8
Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
9
Stir in the salt, pepper, finely chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
14g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Vegetable Rice Pilaf?
It is a colorful and nutritious side dish featuring sautéed leeks, carrots, and zucchini mixed with fluffy long-grain rice.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The main vegetables used are leeks (or onions), shredded carrots, and shredded zucchini.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice needs to simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender.
Can I use onion instead of leeks?
Yes, you can substitute the leeks with one small finely chopped onion.
What type of rice is recommended for this pilaf?
Long-grain rice is recommended for the best texture and fluffiness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, especially if using water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 cups of hot water or 3 cups of chicken broth.
How do I prepare the carrots for this dish?
The carrots should be peeled and then shredded before being added to the pan.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be shredded and added to the rice after the grains have been toasted.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 91 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this pilaf?
There are 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
One serving contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this rice pilaf?
This recipe provides 1.7 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain cheese?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese added at the end.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use either vegetable oil or olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting the rice for about 3 minutes helps develop flavor and ensures the grains remain separate and fluffy.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice.
What fresh herbs are added to the pilaf?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 10 ingredients required to make this Vibrant Vegetable Rice Pilaf.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Stir in the salt and pepper after the rice has finished cooking and has been fluffed with a fork.
What is the recommended pan for this recipe?
A medium saucepan is recommended for preparing this dish.
What heat setting should be used for sautéing the leeks?
Sauté the leeks or onions over medium heat.
At what point do I increase the heat to high?
Increase the heat to high once you add the long-grain rice to toast the grains.
How much liquid is added to the rice?
Add 3 cups of hot water or chicken broth to the saucepan.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly and healthy side dish.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
It features Mediterranean flavors with fresh parsley, parmesan, and sautéed vegetables.
Can I use this as a main course?
While intended as a side dish, its nutrition and vegetable content make it a versatile addition to any meal.
How long do I cook the vegetables before adding liquid?
The leeks are sautéed for 3 minutes, and the shredded carrots and zucchini are cooked for 1 minute before adding liquid.
Should the rice be fluffed before or after adding cheese?
Fluff the rice with a fork first, then stir in the salt, pepper, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving numbers are not provided, the recipe uses 1.5 cups of dry rice and 3 cups of liquid.