One-Pot Basmati Rice with Zucchini Blossoms, Ham, and Fresh Mint

One-Pot Rice with Summer Vegetables and Ham

Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4

A delightful and aromatic one-pot dish that combines fluffy Basmati rice with fresh summer vegetables like zucchini and zucchini blossoms, along with tender cooked ham and a zesty hint of lemon and mint. This easy-to-make recipe provides a fulfilling meal for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight treat. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan makes it both convenient and delicious!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics:
   Start by cleaning the leek. Trim off the outer leaves, cut off the root, and slice it thinly. Rinse the baby zucchinis, cut off the ends, and slice them into rounds. Carefully remove the stems from the zucchini blossoms and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Leek:
   In a large, deep pan or skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and sauté until it softens and begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the zucchini rounds and zucchini blossoms to the pan with the leek. Stir them together and let them cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add the Rice:
   Stir in the Basmati rice, ensuring the grains are well coated with the oil and mixed with the vegetables.

5. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
   Pour in the vegetable broth, enough to cover the rice and vegetables. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Cook the Rice:
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice cook gently for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Check and Adjust:
   Once the broth is absorbed, uncover the pan and check the rice for doneness. If the rice is not fully cooked, add a little more broth, cover, and continue cooking until the rice is tender.

8. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve:
   Once the rice is cooked through, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh mint leaves, roughly torn, and zest half a lemon over the top. This will give the dish a fresh, aromatic finish.

9. Serve:
   Serve the One-Pot Rice directly from the pan, garnished with fresh arugula for a bit of peppery crunch and an added burst of color. This dish is perfect as a light, yet satisfying main course!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Cooking Tip:
For added richness, feel free to stir in a small knob of butter or a splash of cream just before serving. The dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the ham.