Rice with Meatballs and Vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together flavorful meatballs, tender rice, and a mix of vibrant vegetables. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Follow these steps to create a delicious and wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 400 grams of rice
- 350 grams of minced meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 100 grams green beans, chopped
- 100 grams of peas
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 to 2 liters of vegetable or poultry stock
- 1 slice of bread, soaked in milk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Flour (for coating meatballs)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Soak the Bread: Soak the slice of bread in 2 tablespoons of milk until it becomes soft.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, soaked bread, 1 minced garlic clove, chopped parsley, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut. Roll each meatball lightly in flour to coat.
- Fry Meatballs: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, green bell pepper, and the remaining minced garlic. Cook the vegetables until they soften, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Green Beans and Peas: Stir in the chopped green beans and peas, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Cook:
- Add Rice and Tomato Paste: Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat with the vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste and sweet paprika.
- Add Stock and Bay Leaf: Pour in 1 to 2 liters of vegetable or poultry stock, making sure it covers the rice by approximately an inch. Add the bay leaf, along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender.
Add Meatballs and Finish Cooking:
- Add Meatballs to Rice: Gently nestle the fried meatballs into the rice mixture. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the meatballs are heated through.
- Fine-tune the Flavor: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve:
- Serve Hot: Serve the rice with meatballs and vegetables hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your family and friends.
Conclusion
This Rice with Meatballs and Vegetables dish is a perfect blend of savory meatballs, tender rice, and colorful vegetables, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is ideal for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of ingredients and the rich taste that comes from cooking them together. Serve this wholesome and nourishing meal to your loved ones and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors it brings to your table!