Ingredients:
Rice – 1 cup (about 200 g)
Salt – to taste
Vegetable oil – for sautéing
Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Bell pepper – 1 medium, chopped
Broccoli – 450 g (about 3 cups), cut into florets
Carrot – 1 large, grated
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Black pepper – to taste
Paprika – to taste
Mozzarella cheese – 200 g (about 3.5 ounces), shredded
Eggs – 4 large
Vegetable oil – for greasing the baking dish
Directions:
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the rice and cook according to the package instructions, or until the rice is tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and grated carrot, and continue to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Blanch the Broccoli:
- Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 3 minutes, then drain and immediately place the broccoli in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Prepare the Seasonings:
- Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and blanched broccoli.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.
- Prepare the Eggs:
- In a separate bowl, beat the 4 eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the eggs over the rice and vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and pour the rice and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty flavors of rice, vegetables, and cheese!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this casserole as a main dish with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Blanch the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps keep it tender while maintaining its vibrant color.
- Customize the veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to suit your taste.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Carrots provide beta-carotene and antioxidants.
- Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
- Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
- Eggs add protein and help bind the casserole together.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them)
- Contains dairy (from the cheese) and eggs
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Storage:
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Conclusion
This Baked Rice and Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the week. With the combination of tender vegetables, melted mozzarella, and fluffy rice, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to please!
- Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and cheese for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables and seasonings to make it your own.
Enjoy!