Mouth-Watering Rice Casserole with a Twist for Vegetarians
Hello there, fellow food lovers! Today, we are presenting you with an absolute treat for your taste buds. Get ready to indulge in a delicious and hearty vegetarian rice casserole recipe that will leave you craving for more.
This recipe is the perfect balance of health and taste, making it the ideal option for anyone who wants to eat healthy without compromising on flavor. Packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli florets, onion, cherry tomatoes, orange bell pepper, and courgette, this casserole is guaranteed to give you all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of flavors that come together perfectly in every bite. Our secret blend of spices including dried basil, fennel seed and garlic cloves elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply prefer meatless dishes, our recipe has got you covered. You won’t even miss the meat when you take a bite of this veggie-packed delight.
So why wait any longer? Let’s get cooking and enjoy the goodness of this veggie rice casserole recipe today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of hearty, nourishing casseroles, you will absolutely adore this vegetarian rice casserole! This dish is the perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and savory flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
One reason you’ll love this recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. With options for using brown or basmati rice and a plethora of fresh veggies like broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, you can customize this dish to your liking. So whether you prefer a more earthy taste or something with a bit of kick, this recipe has got you covered!
Another reason to fall in love with this casserole is its fantastic texture. The creamy and cheesy provolone cheese combined with tender veggies and fluffy rice creates a unique mouthfeel that will have you craving another serving.
Lastly, this casserole is loaded with nutritional benefits. With an abundance of vegetables like broccoli florets, onion, courgette, and fresh herbs such as fennel seed and parsley, this recipe packs in the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. Plus, by using vegan butter and heavy cream substitutes, this casserole provides all the indulgence without any guilt.
Overall, with its versatility, fantastic texture, and nutritional value made for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the Gorgeous Vegetarian Rice Casserole Recipe should definitely be on your list of go-to dishes!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list and see what we need to make this delicious vegetarian rice casserole.
Ingredients:
- Cooked Basmati Rice: 2 cups
- Broccoli floret: 1 medium
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Orange Bell pepper: 1 medium, chopped
- Courgette: 1 medium, cubed
- Provolone cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Fresh Parsley, chopped: ¼ cup
For cream mushroom sauce:
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Mushroom soup, canned: 1 can
For seasoning:
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Ground Pepper: To taste
- Dried Basil: 1 tsp
- Fennel Seed: ½ tsp
For olive oil mixture:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
The Recipe How-To
Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious Vegetarian Rice Casserole. This recipe includes a variety of ingredients, but don’t worry, it’s not complicated to put together.
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
The first step in making this rice casserole is to prepare your vegetables. Start by washing your broccoli florets, cutting off any tough stems and then chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Do the same thing for your orange bell pepper and courgette, cut them into small cubes. Afterward, chop an onion and mince 2 or more garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cooking
Take a large skillet or casserole dish and heat it over medium heat with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil or butter if you prefer. When hot, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté until softened which should be around 3-4 minutes.
After that, add in chopped bell pepper; cubed courgette and broccoli florets then stir-fry until it softens a bit but still has some crunch, around 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Making Rice
Once the vegetables have cooked down, add in 2 cups of cooked basmati rice (or brown rice) to the skillet or casserole dish with vegetables. Mix everything well then add your choice of flavorings such as dried basil, fennel seed, or fresh parsley. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.
Step 4: The Cheesy Addition!
Final steps! Now we move onto the highlight of the recipe – CHEESE! Add one cup of shredded provolone cheese on top of your veggie-rice mixture evenly then pour 1/2 cup of heavy cream over everything. Don’t forget to season with freshly ground salt and pepper.
Step 5: Bake
Finally, pop your vegetable and cheese topped rice mixture into a pre-heated oven set at 375°F (or equivalent) on middle rack then bake it [covered loosely with foil] for around 25 minutes until cheese turns golden brown, then uncover and keep it baking for additional 10-15 minutes until top reaches desired coloration.
When ready take out from oven and let it cool down for around 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty vegetarian rice casserole. This will surely become another addition to your list of go-to recipes!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, there’s always room for experimentation and personalization. This rice casserole recipe is no exception. There are several substitutions and variations you can make to the original recipe to customize it according to your preferences.
– Cheese: If you’re vegan, you can substitute provolone cheese with dairy-free cheese, such as vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese. You can also skip the cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter option.
– Vegetables: This recipe calls for broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, orange bell pepper, and courgette (zucchini), but feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Some good options include cauliflower or carrot, or you could swap out the broccoli for brussel sprouts for a twist on the classic broccoli casserole.
– Rice: This recipe uses basmati brown rice, but you can easily substitute with white rice or even quinoa for a more protein-packed dish.
– Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can make this dish completely vegan by using vegan cream of mushroom soup in place of heavy cream and butter.
– Spices: Consider adding some spice to your casserole by using smoked paprika or chili powder in place of fennel seeds and dried basil.
– Beans: For an added protein punch, consider adding white beans or chickpeas to the rice mixture.
Remember that experimenting with new ingredients and variations is a great way to find new favorite dishes or perfect old favorites. Don’t be afraid to add your own unique touch!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your gorgeous vegetarian rice casserole is ready, it’s time to think about how to best enjoy it. This hearty and flavorful dish is a great standalone meal that can easily feed a crowd, or be reheated throughout the week for quick and easy leftovers.
For a complete meal, consider pairing your rice casserole with a simple side salad tossed with fresh greens and cherry tomatoes. The light acidity of the vinaigrette dressing will help to balance out the richness of the casserole.
If you’re feeling more indulgent, serve your casserole with a side of crusty garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots. This will add an extra layer of deliciousness to the dish and make it feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant.
For a refreshing beverage pairing, try serving your rice casserole with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade. The crispness and sweetness of these drinks will cleanse your palate and complement the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for wine, look for a light-bodied red or white that won’t overpower the flavors of your casserole. A Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc would be excellent choices that won’t compete with the richness of the dish.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this vegetarian rice casserole, rest assured that it will be a satisfying and delicious meal that can hold its own against any meat-based dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious vegetarian rice casserole, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make-ahead or store leftovers. The answer is a resounding “yes!” This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and batch cooking, making weekday dinners a breeze.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply prepare the casserole as directed in the recipe. Instead of baking it right away, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dish to thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Storing leftovers is also easy. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply remove from the refrigerator and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
If you’re short on time, reheating individual portions in the microwave can also work well. Simply transfer an individual portion onto a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
It’s important to note that reheating this dish multiple times may result in a slightly softer texture due to the moisture content of some of the vegetables. However, the flavors will still be delicious!
As always, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly after serving to ensure food safety. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating a perfect vegan rice casserole requires some know-how and experience in the kitchen. But, don’t worry, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can create an outstanding vegan rice casserole with ease. Here are the tips that could help you make the best vegetarian rice casseroles without breaking a sweat.
1. Make sure your rice is cooked to perfection
One of the most important elements of a great vegan rice casserole is the texture of the rice, which means that it should be firm or al dente, not mushy or undercooked. To achieve this, cook your rice as per the instructions on its packaging, ensuring that you add enough water to keep your rice moist and fluffy.
2. Use fresh herbs and spices
Perhaps one of the secrets to any great dish is using fresh herbs and spices. For a flavorful vegan rice casserole, use fresh parsley, dried basil, fennel seed, garlic cloves, and freshly-ground pepper. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste to your casserole while fennel seeds provide aroma.
3. Experiment with different vegetables
Part of what sets apart a great vegetarian rice casserole recipe from an ordinary one is its use of different vegetables like broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, orange bell peppers, and courgettes. Fortunately, vegetables in casserole recipes yummly can also be substituted or interchanged depending on your taste preferences.
4. Add extra taste with provolone cheese or cream mushroom soup
If you want to add a savory flavor to your vegetarian rice casserole recipe try using provolone cheese or cream mushroom soup. Provolone cheese is an excellent choice to add richness and depth to a cheesy broccoli rice dish while cream mushroom soup can give extra flavor and creaminess to any vegetable casserole recipe.
5. Use high-quality olive oil
High-quality olive oil serves two purposes- adding flavor and preventing sticking. It’s best for cooking with oils that have low smoking points like olive oil because they have intense flavors but can burn quickly if overheated.
A perfect vegan rice casserole requires some effort and attention to detail but with these tips up your sleeve, you will make amazing vegetarian casseroles every time – delicious by all!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves flavorful and hearty vegetarian dishes. From the delicious blend of fresh ingredients to the satisfying sensation that comes with every bite, this Gorgeous Vegetarian Rice Casserole Recipe will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-lover looking to try something new, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization and variation. You can substitute ingredients or add your own personal twist to create a unique masterpiece that suits your taste.
Not only is this recipe a great side dish for any meal, but it’s also hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main course. It’s a perfect lunch or dinner option for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this amazing vegetarian rice casserole recipe a try today! Trust me, it’s so delicious that it might just become one of your favorite recipes of all time.
Gorgeous Vegetarian Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 courgette, cubed
- 1 orange bell pepper, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli floret
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 cups of fresh heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup of grated provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- salt
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil, and cook onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the rest of the veggies, except cherry tomatoes. Add fennel seeds, pepper, and basil. Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Add half of the cream, salt to taste, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Grease a casserole dish with half of the butter.
- Layer rice and vegetables. Dot with the rest of the butter.
- Cover the last layer with the grated cheese, the rest of the cream and cherry tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.