This easy summer squash rice dish is a colorful and fresh treat! With tender squash, fluffy rice, and a hint of seasoning, it’s perfect for a light meal or side.
It’s so simple to make that you might think you’re a kitchen wizard! Just sauté, mix, and enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that summer squash from the garden! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Summer Squash: Yellow squash and zucchini are excellent choices here. They have a tender texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find these, try using bell peppers or asparagus for variety.
Rice: Long grain white rice works best for fluffy results. For a healthier option, swap it with brown rice or quinoa. Just remember, cooking times and liquid amounts may change!
Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth adds extra flavor, but water is a fine substitute too. If you’re low on broth, try using chicken broth for a different taste. Keep an eye on the sodium levels if you’re watching your salt intake!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a delicious finish, but feel free to leave it out for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast is a wonderful alternative for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Getting the veggies just right is crucial for the best flavor in this dish. Here’s a few simple tips:
- Use a medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and onions.
- Start with the onions—they take longer to soften. Wait until they are translucent to add garlic.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows the veggies to caramelize instead of steam.
- Stir occasionally but let them sit for a minute or two at a time for better browning.
Following this method helps bring out deeper flavors and a pleasing texture in your dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Summer Squash Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups summer squash (yellow squash and/or zucchini), diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious summer squash rice takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, which makes it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat. This will be the base for our delicious veggies!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step will enhance the flavor of the dish.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it; just until you can smell that wonderful aroma!
4. Cook the Veggies:
Now, toss in the diced summer squash and red bell pepper. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften up.
5. Toast the Rice:
Next, stir in the rice and toast it with the sautéed vegetables for 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the rice!
6. Add Liquid:
Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and then add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. This is when the rice will cook through and absorb the flavors!
8. Let It Rest:
Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes to let the rice fluff up.
9. Fluff and Add Herbs:
After resting, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness!
10. Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. This dish is perfect as a side or a light vegetarian main. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and increase the amount of liquid to about 2 1/2 cups.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any veggies that take longer to soften.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it fully vegan, just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic without it!
