Cretan Rice

Cretan Rice is a vibrant, vegan dish that combines fragrant rice with a medley of vegetables and herbs, capturing the essence of Greek cuisine. This hearty yet light dish is perfect for a healthy meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Red onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Tomato - 1 large, diced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh dill - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the diced tomato to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, mixing well.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Once boiling, add the rinsed basmati rice, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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