Italian-inspired Roasted Rice with Herbs and Vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the Arborio rice, rosemary, and thyme, coating the rice with the vegetable mixture.
6. 6.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
8. 8.
   Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is slightly crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For added richness, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the roasted rice before serving.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as eggplant or mushrooms.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve the roasted rice with a side of grilled chicken or fish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to refresh the flavors.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the roasted rice as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or crusty bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Transfer the roasted rice to a large serving platter and arrange the colorful vegetables on top for an eye-catching presentation. Sprinkle some additional fresh herbs over the dish for a pop of color.