Basmati and Wild Rice Salad with Vegetables
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 125g |
| Red rice | 125g |
| Eggplant | 1 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Zucchini | 1 |
| Fresh spring onion (scallion) | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Chives | 3 sprigs |
| Fine salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions:
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Begin by washing and peeling the vegetables as needed. Dice the eggplant, carrot, zucchini, and both the red and yellow bell peppers into small cubes. Finely chop the fresh spring onion and garlic.
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Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onion and garlic and sauté them until they turn golden and fragrant.
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Add all the diced vegetables to the pan and sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften and become slightly caramelized. Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper, then remove the pan from the heat.
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Meanwhile, rinse the Basmati and red rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rice for about 12-15 minutes, or until it is tender but still firm. Drain the rice and spread it out on a large shallow dish to cool.
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Once the rice has cooled down to room temperature, combine it with the sautéed vegetables (saving a couple of tablespoons of the vegetable mixture for garnish). Drizzle the salad with a little extra virgin olive oil and mix well. Add finely chopped chives and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
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To serve, plate the rice individually, using a ring mold to shape it into neat portions. Garnish each serving with a few cubes of the leftover vegetables and some extra chives.
Enjoy your refreshing Basmati and Wild Rice Salad with Vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish at any meal!
This dish combines the aromatic flavors of Basmati and red rice with sautéed, flavorful vegetables. The gentle seasoning and touch of chives add a fresh finish, making this a delightful and wholesome dish that’s sure to impress your guests or add a colorful touch to any meal. The inclusion of both wild and basmati rice brings a delightful contrast in texture while keeping the dish light and healthy. It’s an easy-to-make yet elegant option that suits various occasions, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
