Description
A comforting and flavorful dish of rice served with sautéed vegetables in a creamy and tangy cream cheese sauce, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.7 cups cold water
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
Cream Cheese Sauce
- 200g cream cheese
- 200ml vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Mince the garlic cloves. Keep cream cheese, vegetable broth, and lemon juice ready for the sauce preparation.
- Cook Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 1.7 cups of cold water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and diced carrot, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then add diced bell pepper and zucchini, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the 200g of cream cheese. Gradually whisk in 200ml of vegetable broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm cream cheese sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Gently fold to combine the sauce with the vegetables. Add the cooked and fluffed rice to the skillet and fold everything together until evenly mixed. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Adjust vegetable quantities according to your preference or seasonal availability.
- The cream cheese sauce can be made dairy-free by substituting with vegan cream cheese.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
