Rice with Assorted Vegetables

Riso con Verdure Miste   

Risu ca Virdura

 

This dish is easy and can be prepared in no time! 

One of my aunt used to make The risu ca’ verdure a tuttu rintra, which means everything inside the pot at one time- except the cheese-and she would bring to a boil, cook for 40 minutes covered; then set it aside and serve after 15 minutes with the cheese on the side.

Following the directions below to make this rice dish will result different from the classic risotto, however it will be tasty and delicious and with unique flavor.  The vegetable used are a suggestion: use any vegetable available to you. 

              

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped   
  • 6 tablespoons of olive oil   
  • 1 cup tomato roughly chopped   
  • 1 package frozen peas   
  • 1 package frozen artichoke hearts   
  • 1 lb. Arborio rice   
  • ½ cup of parsley, finely chopped   
  • Salt and pepper to taste   
  • 5 cups of water or broth   
  • 1 can of beans rinsed   
  • 1 cup of grated pecorino or caciocavallo cheese   
  •  a few cups of hot water, if needed   

Preparation

A pot of with a few cups of boiling water has to be kept on the side, because it may be needed in this preparation.

In a 6 quart sauce pot, over a high heat, place 3 tablespoons of oil with the onion and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the tomato, the frozen peas and the artichokes, salt and pepper to taste. Add 4 ½ cups of water, half of the parsley and bring it to a boil and then simmer covered for 15 minutes.

Mix in the rice and the beans, bring again it to a boil and then simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes, at a low heat, stirring occasionally.

If it becomes too dry add some hot water or broth.

When time is up, test for doneness; rice should be soft but not overcooked. If necessary cook rice until tender and until some of the liquid is absorbed; if needed, add more salt and some freshly grounded black pepper.

Remove from heat, and blend in half of the cheese, the remaining parsley and the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil.

Wait a few minutes before dishing it out. Serve with grated cheese on the side.

 

Rice & Vegetables

 

Variation:

To make a soupier Rice Assorted Vegetable, double-up the amount of water or broth.