Riso con Verdure: A Delicious Italian Rice Dish
Riso con Verdure
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice or any short-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it's translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, letting it toast for 1-2 minutes. This helps to develop its flavor.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in Peas: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the green peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Riso con Verdure, or Rice with Vegetables, is a fantastic Italian dish that’s not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, making it perfect for any season or occasion. From my own personal experience, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Let me show you how I make this delightful recipe.
What to Expect
Riso con Verdure is a flavorful and colorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. The combination of fresh vegetables with the creamy rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Based on my overall experience, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: About $10
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish or Side Dish
- Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Serving bowl. Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Riso con Verdure here
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Riso con Verdure here
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, letting it toast for 1-2 minutes. This helps to develop its flavor.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in Peas: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the green peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Riso con Verdure here
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Vegan Option: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Tips and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a creamy texture.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Riso con Verdure here
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Rice Too Hard?: If the rice is still firm after the cooking time, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Too Watery?: If there’s too much liquid left, remove the lid and cook on high for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Bland Flavor?: Don’t be shy with seasoning! Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to boost the flavor.
Now that you know how to whip up this delightful Italian dish, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Riso con Verdure is sure to impress. Enjoy.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/