Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a super simple and healthy recipe for 25, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fluffy rice with vibrant mixed vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a wholesome dish on the table in no time. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite, offering both comfort and health in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rice (I love using long-grain rice, but you can choose your favorite type!)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (Extra virgin works wonders for flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (Feel free to adjust to your taste—sometimes I add a pinch more!)
- 3 cups of water (This helps the rice cook up fluffy and perfect.)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (I like a colorful mix of peas, carrots, and bell peppers, but use whatever you have on hand!)
How to Prepare 25
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful dish! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and I’m here to guide you through every step of the way.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
First things first, you’ll want to rinse the rice under cold water. This step is super important because it removes excess starch that can make your rice gummy. Just put the rice in a fine mesh strainer and let the cold water run over it until the water runs clear. This little step makes a big difference in texture!
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Next, grab a medium pot and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. You want it to shimmer but not smoke—about 1-2 minutes should do it. The olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps the rice cook evenly.
Step 3: Add Rice and Salt
Once the oil is hot, toss in the rinsed rice along with the salt. Stir it around for about 2 minutes. This little toasting step really enhances the flavor of the rice and gets it ready to soak up all that goodness!
Step 4: Boil the Water
Now it’s time to pour in the 3 cups of water. Watch it closely as it comes to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, you know you’re on the right track!
Step 5: Add Mixed Vegetables
After the water boils, throw in your cup of mixed vegetables. I love using a colorful mix of peas, carrots, and bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition, but feel free to get creative with whatever veggies you have around!
Step 6: Simmer the Mixture
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb all that flavorful water and steam the veggies just right!
Step 7: Let It Sit
Once the time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice to finish cooking and allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Fluff and Serve
Finally, grab a fork and fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Serve it warm as a side dish or make it a meal on its own. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with veggies and whole grains.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add herbs!
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
- Deliciously fluffy rice that’s bursting with flavor!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Great as a side dish or a main course; it’s super adaptable!
- Can easily be doubled for meal prep or family gatherings.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your 25 turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t skip rinsing the rice; it really helps achieve that fluffy texture. If you’re looking for some fun variations, try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. You can also swap in brown rice for a heartier option, but remember to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. And if you want to elevate your dish, toss in some sautéed garlic or onion when heating the olive oil for extra flavor. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delightful 25 dish! Here’s a quick look at the estimated values per serving. Keep in mind that these are all approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
This dish is not only satisfying but also provides a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something nutritious yet delicious! Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients.
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option if you’re looking for something heartier and more nutritious. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and water ratio since brown rice typically takes longer to cook. I usually recommend about 45 minutes of simmering for brown rice.
What types of vegetables work best in this dish?
You can really get creative here! I love using a mix of peas, carrots, and bell peppers, but any vegetables you enjoy will work. Broccoli, zucchini, or even frozen mixed veggies are fantastic options. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help it steam and fluff up again. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this 25 recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you stick with rice and avoid any soy sauce or added seasonings that contain gluten. It’s a great option for anyone following a gluten-free diet!
How can I add more flavor to the rice?
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding herbs or spices while cooking. A bay leaf, some garlic powder, or even a splash of lemon juice at the end can really elevate the dish. You could also sauté some onions or garlic in the olive oil before adding the rice for an extra flavor boost!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this delicious 25 dish can be stored easily, and I promise it still tastes great the next day! Just let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you won’t finish it within that timeframe, you can also freeze it! Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it should last for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them with the date so you can keep track.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to the pot and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This will help the rice steam up nicely and regain its fluffy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it too! Just place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle a little water on top, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Easy peasy! Just like that, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go again.
Print
25 Deliciously Healthy Recipes to Brighten Your Table
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for a delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add rice and salt, stirring for 2 minutes.
- Pour in water and bring to a boil.
- Add mixed vegetables.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Adjust vegetable types based on preference.
- For extra flavor, add herbs or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rice, vegetables, healthy, easy recipe