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CREAMY ITALIAN-INSPIRED ROUND GRAIN RICE WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
CREAMY ITALIAN-INSPIRED ROUND GRAIN RICE WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI

CREAMY ITALIAN-INSPIRED ROUND GRAIN RICE WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI

A delicate and creamy side dish featuring roasted zucchini and tender round grain rice, enriched with Parmesan, butter, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect accompaniment for white fish fillets or light meals.

πŸ•’ Prep & Cook Time: 45 min

🍽️ Servings: 3
πŸ₯„ Calories: 189 cal per serving

πŸ₯„ Ingredients

  • 1 small zucchini (approx. 250 g)
  • 100 g round grain rice
  • 10 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 15 g butter
  • 5 large fresh basil leaves
  • Zest of half a lemon (about 4-5 passes with a microplane)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. Cut zucchini into medium-thick sticks to maintain shape after roasting. Sprinkle with salt and place on paper towels for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry.
  2. Arrange zucchini in a single layer in an ovenproof dish. Season with black pepper.
  3. Roast at 220Β°C (425Β°F), using browning function if available, for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse rice several times until rinse water is clear.
  5. Boil plenty of salted water. Add rice and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer; cook until rice is nearly tender but still slightly firm in the center. Cooking time varies by rice brandβ€”check periodically.
  6. Remove from heat and let rice sit in hot water for 2 minutes to finish cooking. Drain well. Season lightly with salt and gently fluff with two forks to avoid breaking grains.
  7. When zucchini is ready, add cooked rice, grated Parmesan, and butter to the dish. Gently fold together with two forks until butter and cheese melt, using residual heat. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  8. Stir in thinly sliced basil and lemon zest just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh flavors and creamy texture.

πŸ’‘ Tips

  • Salting and resting zucchini helps prevent sogginess during roasting.
  • Use round grain rice for a creamy, risotto-like texture without constant stirring.
  • Fold ingredients gently to preserve rice grains.
  • Fresh basil and lemon zest brighten the dish and complement mild zucchini flavor.

πŸŽ‰ Perfect For

  • Elegant side for white fish or poultry
  • Light vegetarian meals
  • Italian-inspired menus

πŸ“ Final Thoughts

This creamy round grain rice with roasted zucchini is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with seafood or light mains. The fresh herbs and lemon zest add brightness to the comforting texture.