Description
The “Zesty Vegetarian Rice Medley” is a dazzling combination of spices and fresh vegetables incorporated into a rice dish that promises both taste and health benefits. Perfect for vegetarian diet followers or anyone seeking a nutrient-packed meal that’s easy and quick to prepare, this recipe offers a whirlwind of flavors guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons annatto or achiote powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⅓ cups uncooked white rice
- 2¾ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
- 1⅓ cups whole corn kernels, blanched
- 1 cup black beans, cooked and drained
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cooking the aromatics and spices
In a heavy saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Include the bell pepper, chili powder, optional annatto, crushed red pepper, cumin, and cinnamon, sautéing for another 2 minutes.
2. Preparing the rice
Mix in the uncooked white rice, stirring to thoroughly coat it with the aromatic spice mixture. Pour in the water and add 1 teaspoon of salt, then bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing the rice to simmer for 25 minutes.
3. Finalizing the dish
After the rice is cooked, gently fold in the chopped tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, and toasted pine nuts. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Heat through before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe serves up to 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 35 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the rice seems dry.
Conclusion
This Zesty Vegetarian Rice Medley serves as a vibrant, hearty meal that brings together the robust flavors of spices and the freshness of vegetables. Suitable for a family dinner or as a nutritious meal prep option, this dish stands out for its ease of preparation and exceptional taste. Enjoy a plateful of this healthful rice medley and bask in the rich tapestry of flavors it offers.
Print
Zesty Vegetarian Rice Medley
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
The “Zesty Vegetarian Rice Medley” is a dazzling combination of spices and fresh vegetables incorporated into a rice dish that promises both taste and health benefits. Perfect for vegetarian diet followers or anyone seeking a nutrient-packed meal that’s easy and quick to prepare, this recipe offers a whirlwind of flavors guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons annatto or achiote powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⅓ cups uncooked white rice
- 2¾ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
- 1⅓ cups whole corn kernels, blanched
- 1 cup black beans, cooked and drained
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cooking the aromatics and spices: In a heavy saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Include the bell pepper, chili powder, optional annatto, crushed red pepper, cumin, and cinnamon, sautéing for another 2 minutes.
- Preparing the rice: Mix in the uncooked white rice, stirring to thoroughly coat it with the aromatic spice mixture. Pour in the water and add 1 teaspoon of salt, then bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing the rice to simmer for 25 minutes.
- Finalizing the dish: After the rice is cooked, gently fold in the chopped tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, and toasted pine nuts. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Heat through before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes