This Easy Summer Squash Rice is a bright and tasty dish, perfect for warm days! It’s made with fresh squash, fluffy rice, and a sprinkle of herbs to bring it all together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This gives the dish a nice base flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, avocado oil or even butter can work in a pinch. Both will give a delicious richness.
Summer Squash: Yellow squash and zucchini are great for this recipe. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with bell peppers, carrots, or even eggplant for a twist.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is used for its fluffy texture. You can swap in brown rice or even quinoa if you’re looking for something a bit healthier, but cooking times may vary.
Broth: Vegetable broth adds flavor, but chicken broth works just as well if you’re not vegetarian. If you want to save calories, feel free to use water instead, just add more spices.
Parmesan Cheese: This optional ingredient offers a creamy touch. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding cheese.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Just Right?
Cooking the vegetables to the right tenderness is key to making this dish shine. You want them soft but still with a little bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat when adding the onion, letting it soften while keeping an eye on color.
- When you add the squash and bell pepper, stir occasionally to allow even cooking without burning. About 5 minutes is perfect for a tender yet crisp texture.
- Remember, the vegetables will continue to cook when you add the rice and broth, so don’t overcook them initially!
Easy Summer Squash Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups summer squash (yellow or zucchini), diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can easily become a weeknight favorite!
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the diced summer squash and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook these vegetables for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften a bit while still maintaining some crunch and vibrant color!
3. Add Rice and Broth:
Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is well coated with the vegetable mixture. Then, pour in the broth and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer the Rice:
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed nearly all the liquid.
5. Final Touches:
After 15 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor boost, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like a cheesy touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
This dish can be served warm as a delightful side or as a light main course. Enjoy your quick, wholesome summer meal!
This Easy Summer Squash Rice highlights the delightful flavors of fresh vegetables and is sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Summer Squash Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, you can substitute with brown rice or quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—brown rice will take longer and may require more liquid.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
If you want to customize this dish, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any veggies that take longer to soften.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and ensure that you use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegan. This dish is already plant-based and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Easy Summer Squash Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
