Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake is a healthy, filling, and flavorful dish that combines nutritious vegetables with rice, eggs, and mozzarella cheese to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe features a delicious blend of vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, all baked together with fluffy rice and topped with melted mozzarella. The finishing touch comes from a refreshing yogurt and soy sauce dressing, enhanced with fresh herbs like dill and parsley. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying vegetarian option, this rice bake will hit the spot.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Rice Bake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 1 head of broccoli (cut into florets)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and grated or finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- A handful of cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese (shredded)
For the Yogurt Soy Sauce Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh dill (chopped, to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, to taste)
Steps to Make Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake with Yogurt Soy Sauce Dressing:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Use 1 cup of uncooked rice and 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the rice, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed (about 15-18 minutes). Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Heat a little vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot to the pan, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the chopped bell pepper and broccoli florets, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have some crunch. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with a pinch of salt and pepper. The eggs will help bind the rice and vegetables together during baking. Add the cooked rice to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bake Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Spread half of the rice and egg mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Next, evenly spread the sautéed vegetables over the rice layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables. Add the remaining rice and egg mixture over the cheese and vegetables, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top layer of the rice mixture. Finally, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the top for added freshness and color.
Step 6: Bake the Rice Dish Place the assembled rice bake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The eggs should be fully set, and the bake should have a firm yet moist texture.
Step 7: Prepare the Yogurt Soy Sauce Dressing While the rice bake is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, soy sauce, chopped dill, and parsley. This dressing adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to the dish and balances the richness of the cheese and eggs.
Step 8: Serve Once the rice bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the bake into portions and serve each piece with a drizzle of the yogurt soy sauce dressing. Garnish with extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use other vegetables in this rice bake? Yes! You can substitute or add different vegetables to this recipe. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms would work well. Just be sure to sauté them with the other vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and additional fiber to the dish. Just keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly when preparing it.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and bake it when you’re ready. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake:
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, crisp vegetables. Frozen vegetables can also work, but they may release more water, so be sure to cook them until most of the moisture evaporates before adding them to the bake.
- Grate the Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and provides a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh dill and parsley add a bright flavor to this dish, but you can also experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme. They complement the cheesy and creamy flavors perfectly.
- Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the rice bake to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier top, reheating in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes will bring back some of the texture.
You can also freeze this rice bake for up to 2 months. Allow the bake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion: Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake with Yogurt Soy Sauce Dressing is a versatile, nutritious dish that brings together the comforting flavors of rice, vegetables, and cheese with a zesty yogurt dressing. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for family dinners, meal prepping, or even as a vegetarian main course. The combination of baked cheesy goodness and