Rice A La Grecque Casserole
A flavorful Greek-inspired casserole with rice, vegetables, raisins, and herbs, perfect for a hearty family meal or entertaining guests with its aromatic and savory profile.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups white rice, washed and drained well ⓘ
- 4 large fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups hot chicken stock ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked or frozen peas ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. raisins, sautéed in 1 tsp. butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In an earthenware casserole dish fitted with a cover, sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until the onion is soft, but not brown.
- Add rice, mushrooms, tomatoes, salt, garlic, and pepper. Combine the mixture thoroughly with chicken stock.
- Cover the casserole tightly; bring to a boil and cook the rice in a hot oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or cook on top of the stove.
- Separate the grains of rice and release the steam by tossing with a long-tined fork.
- Mix in peas, raisins sautéed in 1 teaspoon of butter, and pimiento.
- Serve with chicken or veal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the casserole. You can substitute brown rice for white, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the flavor profile. If you want a creamier texture, mix in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice A La Grecque Casserole pairs beautifully with Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken or any of your favorite Mediterranean recipes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light white wine would complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice A La Grecque Casserole contains roughly 451 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1022mg per serving (44% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the amount of chicken stock and cooking duration to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender. Typically, brown rice will take about 40-45 minutes to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition while still maintaining the Mediterranean essence.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).