Risi Bisi Or Rice Valencienne
Risi Bisi Or Rice Valencienne combines tender rice with ham, peas, mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in oil until lightly browned.
- Stir in rice, ham, and bay leaf.
- Saute about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Combine rice mixture with chicken stock, salt, and white pepper; stir well. Bring to a boil.
- Cover tightly and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Heat peas, pimentos, and mushrooms separately.
- Add the heated vegetables to the rice; toss lightly with a fork to combine.
- Cover and heat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onion and garlic. You can substitute the ham with diced chicken or turkey for a different protein option. If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas work well and can be added directly without thawing. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Risi Bisi with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Chicken On The Grill for a delightful dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Risi Bisi Or Rice Valencienne contains roughly 752 calories, with 18g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While you can use brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken stock to about 1.5 quarts and increase the baking time to about 45-50 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture will differ from traditional Risi Bisi.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock for a vegetarian option. For a more intense flavor, consider using a mushroom broth, especially if you're incorporating mushrooms into the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture up to the point of baking and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold.
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).