This Oven-Baked Rice with Vegetables is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. The rice absorbs the savory vegetable broth, creating a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Roasting the vegetables adds a caramelized sweetness, balancing the dish perfectly.
Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe. You can add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
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1 ½ cups long-grain rice
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 carrot, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large oven-safe dish, combine the rice, vegetable broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, and all the chopped vegetables. Stir well.
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Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the mixture, and toss to coat everything evenly.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are roasted.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Oven Baked Rice and Vegetables
Oven Baked Rice and Vegetables is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together fluffy, seasoned rice and an array of roasted vegetables. This recipe is designed for convenience, as it all cooks in one pan, minimizing prep time and cleanup. The concept is simple: the rice absorbs the flavorful juices from the roasted vegetables, making every bite rich in flavor. The roasted veggies add a smoky, caramelized taste that pairs beautifully with the soft, aromatic rice.
The idea of cooking rice in the oven may seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer. When combined with vegetables, the rice absorbs the juices released during roasting, giving it a depth of flavor that stovetop cooking can’t replicate. It’s the perfect dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, especially when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on taste.
Why Oven-Baking Works
The reason this dish works so well is the synergy between the rice and the vegetables. As the vegetables roast, they release their natural juices, which drip down into the rice below, infusing it with additional flavor. The rice, sitting underneath the vegetables, essentially acts as a sponge, soaking up these tasty vegetable broths. This method ensures that each grain of rice is perfectly seasoned and moist. The vegetables themselves, sitting on top, are roasted to perfection, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft, tender interior.
By baking everything together, the dish develops a rich, full-bodied flavor, all while requiring minimal effort. This is the epitome of a one-pan meal: flavorful, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. You can experiment with a variety of vegetables, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to your tastes or whatever is in season.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
One of the highlights of this dish is the freedom to customize it with the vegetables you love most. While the recipe calls for common vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower, you can use whatever you have on hand. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips work wonderfully, as do leafy greens like spinach or kale. The key is to use a variety of vegetables that will provide different textures and flavors. For instance, carrots and cauliflower add sweetness and earthiness, while zucchini and bell peppers offer a slight crunch and mild bitterness.
It’s important to note that some vegetables will roast better than others. For example, vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, and bell peppers benefit from the caramelizing effect of the oven, while root vegetables like carrots can be cooked right alongside the rice. However, vegetables that are more delicate, such as green beans or asparagus, should be added later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Rice: The Heart of the Dish
When selecting rice for this dish, it’s best to go with a long-grain variety like basmati or jasmine rice. These types of rice stay fluffy and don’t become sticky during cooking, making them ideal for this one-pan meal. The rice needs to be spread evenly in the pan, and when combined with the vegetables, it absorbs all the delicious flavors they release during roasting. If you’re looking for a hearty version, you can substitute the white rice for brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook, requiring an additional 15–20 minutes in the oven.
The seasoning used for the rice is crucial in infusing it with flavor. A simple combination of garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and salt can elevate the dish, giving the rice its savory base. These seasonings work in harmony with the roasted vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
The Cooking Process: A One-Pan Wonder
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Once the vegetables are prepared, the rice is combined with broth and a few seasonings and placed in the oven. The dish cooks covered for the first 20 minutes, which helps the rice absorb the broth. The foil is then removed, and the vegetables are spread across the top to roast. The result is a beautiful, flavorful combination of roasted vegetables and seasoned rice, all cooked in the same pan.
Baking the rice and vegetables together ensures that the flavors meld beautifully. The rice becomes tender and fluffy, while the vegetables develop that irresistible roasted flavor. There’s no need for a sauce here, as the vegetables release enough moisture to keep everything flavorful and moist. However, if you want to add an extra layer of richness, you can serve the dish with a yogurt sauce or drizzle it with some olive oil and lemon juice.
A Versatile Dish: Meal or Side?
While this dish is often considered a side, it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal. With the mix of vegetables and the rice, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish that doesn’t need anything else to feel complete. That said, it also makes an excellent side for grilled chicken, roasted meat, or even a hearty fish fillet. The versatility of this dish means you can pair it with virtually any protein for a balanced, wholesome meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can adjust the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. You can also add beans, lentils, or even tofu for a protein boost. This makes it a great option for vegetarians or those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. You can even serve it as part of a larger spread for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Oven Baked Rice and Vegetables is best served fresh, straight from the oven, but it can also be enjoyed the next day as leftovers. When reheating, the rice might dry out slightly, but a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt can help restore its moisture and flavor. If you prefer a bit of creaminess, a yogurt and lemon sauce pairs wonderfully with the roasted vegetables, adding a tangy contrast to the savory rice.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Busy Weeknights
Oven Baked Rice and Vegetables is the perfect example of a simple, satisfying dish that delivers on flavor and convenience. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort but yields maximum taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a side to serve alongside your favorite protein, this dish is sure to impress. With its ability to be customized with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. Plus, the fact that everything cooks in one pan means less time spent cleaning up, making it an ideal choice for busy families and anyone looking for a stress-free dinner. Give it a try, and let the oven do the hard work for you!
Why You Should Make It
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Minimal Prep: The simplicity of this recipe makes it a no-brainer for anyone short on time. The only prep required is chopping the vegetables and seasoning the rice. After that, the oven takes care of everything.
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Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of roasted vegetables and seasoned rice makes this a wholesome meal. Plus, you can add any vegetables you like, so it’s a great way to clean out the fridge and use up leftovers.
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One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooking in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. No need to juggle multiple pots or dishes!
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Great for Meal Prep: This recipe can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd or stored in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.