Baked Rice and Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• • Rice – 1 cup (about 200 g)

• • Salt – to taste
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Vegetable oil – for sautéing

• • Bell pepper – 1 medium, chopped
  • Carrot – 1 large, grated
  • Broccoli – 450 g (about 3 cups), cut into florets

• • 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:

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

       
   2. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
2. 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:

• • Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
  • Carrots provide beta-carotene and antioxidants.
  • 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