Rice Torta
A savory rice torta with zucchini, herbs, and Parmesan, baked to a golden crust. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice as directed on the package.
- Saute onion, zucchini, and parsley in butter.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Oil a 9 x 13-inch pan with olive oil.
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool the torta.
- Cut into squares.
- Let it firm up as it cools.
- Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more half and half, up to 1/3 cup. You can easily substitute the zucchini with other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to modify the flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese will work, though it may change the dish's character. Always cook the rice until it's just tender to avoid a mushy torta.
Serving Suggestions
This rice torta makes a great appetizer or side dish and pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) or a light soup like Easy Lentil Soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with extra parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the torta in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Torta contains roughly 885 calories, with 28g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2529mg per serving (110% 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 will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the initial cooking time for the rice, as brown rice typically takes about 45-50 minutes to cook compared to white rice.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice torta a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together similarly to eggs.
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).