Festival Rice
Festive rice dish featuring sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and cheese, perfect for gatherings or a flavorful vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green onion tops ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pecans or almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, heat the oil.
- Saute onion, green pepper, and celery until soft.
- Add mushrooms, sage, marjoram, thyme, and vinegar; simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to enhance the umami. If you're out of brown rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great substitutes. For a protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or beans. Toasting the nuts before adding them gives a deeper flavor. Experiment with herbs like rosemary for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Festival Rice as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Elouise'S Pickled Okra for a refreshing crunch. Consider topping it with fresh herbs or additional nuts for added texture. This dish can be a great base for a vegan bowl with roasted vegetables as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and heat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festival Rice contains roughly 902 calories, with 49g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (100% of the Daily Value), protein (97% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Festival Rice ahead of time?
Yes, Festival Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. It also tastes great as a cold salad if you let it cool and add a dressing.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
You can substitute brown rice with quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each substitute will change the texture slightly, so choose based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Festival Rice is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Portion it into containers with your choice of protein for easy lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).