Veggie Rice Blend: A Simple, Tasty, Healthy Recipe

There are many ways to cook veggie rice blend, and it's a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, and the dish can be made in a pan on the stove or in an Instant Pot. The basic ingredients are rice, vegetables, and stock or broth, but you can also add aromatics like garlic and onion, as well as spices and sauces for extra flavor.

Rinsing the rice

The first reason to rinse the rice is cleanliness. Rice, like other grains, can be exposed to dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs during its journey from the farm to your kitchen. Rinsing the rice helps remove these unwanted substances, ensuring that your final dish is free from any contaminants.

Another advantage of rinsing the rice is the removal of excess starch. Rice grains are coated with starch, which can cause the cooked rice to become sticky and gummy. By rinsing the rice, you wash away this excess starch, resulting in fluffy and separate grains. This is especially important if you are aiming for a lighter, airier texture in your veggie rice blend.

To rinse the rice effectively, start by placing it in a large bowl and covering it with water. Gently swirl the rice with your hand until the water becomes cloudy. Drain the water, making sure the rice remains in the bowl, and repeat this process until the water is clear. This typically requires three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can use a strainer and rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear.

While rinsing the rice is optional, it is worth considering if you want to achieve the desired texture and ensure the cleanliness of your veggie rice blend.

Using broth for flavour

To cook veggie rice blend using broth, start by rinsing your rice in cold water. Rinsing the rice will remove excess starch, helping to create a fluffy, non-sticky texture. For every cup of rice, use two cups of broth. You can also add a little butter to the rice as it cooks for extra flavour. Bring the broth to a boil, add the rice, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of rice you are using, but generally, the rice will be ready in around 15-20 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Many recipes call for frozen mixed vegetables, which can be added straight to the pan with the rice. However, you can also cook fresh vegetables in a separate pan and add them to the rice once it is cooked. Good options for vegetables include carrots, peas, corn, green beans, lima beans, celery, red pepper, and onion.

Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and add your cooked vegetables, stirring to combine. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste.

Using broth to cook your veggie rice blend is a simple way to add flavour to the dish and ensure your rice is fluffy and tasty.

Cooking the veggies

There are a few different ways to cook the veggies for your veggie rice blend, depending on the type of veggies you are using.

If you are using frozen vegetables, you can simply cook them according to the package directions, either on the stove top or in the microwave. This is the quickest and easiest option.

If you are using fresh vegetables, you can cook them in a pot on the stove. Heat some olive oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, then add your diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. You can also add other fresh vegetables at this stage, such as diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or chopped broccoli.

Next, stir in your minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you are using frozen vegetables, add them now and cook for a couple of minutes until they start to thaw.

You can also add spices and seasonings to your veggies. Turmeric is a great option, as it adds a warm flavor and a lovely yellow color to the dish. You can also try Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.

Once your veggies are cooked, you can mix them with your cooked rice and enjoy!

Adding butter

When making veggie rice, it is important to use cold, leftover, or chilled rice, as this will fry better than freshly cooked rice. Using butter instead of oil will add a rich, savoury flavour to the rice and help it to brown. It is best to use a non-stick pan to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Veggie rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to include a range of different ingredients. In addition to butter, oyster sauce and toasted sesame oil can be added for extra flavour. Using chicken or vegetable stock will also infuse the rice with flavour.

For a simple veggie rice recipe, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook for around three minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden. Then, add in the frozen vegetables and cook for a further minute. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, add salt and pepper, and stir. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for around five minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in some additional butter, if desired.

Fluffing the rice

Rest the Rice:

Let the rice rest for about 10 minutes after it has finished cooking. Keep the lid on during this time to trap the steam and ensure even cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the rice finish cooking and results in a more consistent texture.

Choose the Right Utensil:

Use a utensil that can effectively fluff the rice without mashing or smashing the grains. A carving fork is an excellent choice, as it can easily break up the rice without turning it into a mushy mess. You can also use a rice paddle, which is specifically designed for stirring rice without causing damage. If you're using a rice cooker with a non-stick coating, opt for a plastic or wooden utensil to avoid scratching the surface.

Fluff Gently:

Once the rice has rested, it's time to fluff! Use your chosen utensil to gently mix the rice. You can rake across the top and then stab the fork or paddle down, lifting up sections of rice. Avoid stirring or smushing the rice aggressively, as this can lead to a sticky mess. You want to incorporate air into the rice and separate the grains gently.

Avoid Over-Fluffing:

While fluffing is important, be careful not to overdo it. Mix the rice for no more than a minute or two. Over-fluffing can lead to mushy, sticky rice, which is the opposite of what you're trying to achieve.

Store Leftovers Properly:

If you have leftover veggie rice blend, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Enjoy your delicious, fluffy veggie rice blend!

Frequently asked questions