This Easy Summer Squash Rice is a bright and colorful dish that’s perfect for warm days. With fresh summer squash and fluffy rice, it’s a great side or main meal!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just sauté the squash, mix in your rice, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty dish. Perfect for backyard barbecues or quick dinners! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long grain white rice is fantastic for this dish, but basmati adds a nice aroma. If you want a healthier twist, consider using brown rice—just remember it will need more cooking time and liquid.
Summer Squash & Zucchini: Both add great flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, other veggies like yellow bell peppers or even spinach work nicely. Just remember to adjust cooking times since different veggies have different cook rates!
Broth: Using vegetable broth is a great way to make this vegetarian. Chicken broth adds a richer flavor, so pick based on your preference or dietary needs. Homemade broth will also elevate the dish.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs are delightful, but if they’re not available, dried herbs work too. Italian seasoning blends can easily replace thyme and add a bit of extra flavor. You can customize spices to your own taste!
How Do You Get Fluffy Rice Every Time?
Fluffy rice can be a worry, but there are some easy tips to keep in mind! Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch, helping to prevent stickiness.
- Use the right liquid ratio; for 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of broth usually works well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover to let it simmer quietly. The lid helps steam the rice!
- Let it sit off heat for 5 minutes before fluffing. This allows any remaining moisture to distribute evenly.
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked rice every time!
Easy Summer Squash Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Grains:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (or basmati rice)
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow summer squash, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Seasonings:
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 30 minutes for cooking, including the simmering time. So in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Cook the Summer Squash:
Add the diced summer squash and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the vegetables while keeping a bit of their firmness for the perfect texture.
4. Combine with Rice:
Bring on the rice! Stir it into the vegetable mixture, making sure it’s all well-coated with the olive oil and flavors from the vegetables.
5. Add Broth & Seasonings:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Then, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine well.
6. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a brisk boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should soak up the broth and become nice and tender.
7. Let It Rest:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish steaming and settle.
8. Fluff and Garnish:
Using a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Now, sprinkle it with fresh chopped parsley and, if you like, top it with grated Parmesan cheese!
9. Serve:
Enjoy your Easy Summer Squash Rice warm as a delightful side dish or as a light main course. Perfect for summer dining!
This dish captures the essence of summer with vibrant veggies mixed into fluffy rice, making it a refreshing addition to any meal! 🌼🍚
FAQ for Easy Summer Squash Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 35-40 minutes. Use 2 1/2 cups of broth for 1 cup of brown rice to ensure it cooks through and becomes tender.
What Can I Substitute for Broth?
If you don’t have broth on hand, you can substitute with water, but the dish will be less flavorful. For added depth, consider using a bouillon cube dissolved in water or your favorite seasoning blends to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to rehydrate the rice.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to add more colorful vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some may need less time to cook. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite veggies!
