| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 7g | 2g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 8g | 13g | 0.41g |
This is just a computed approximation. The actual nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Why I Love Italian Black Rice with Carrots and Peas
For someone who comes from a place where hearty meals and rich flavor profiles are part of the day-to-day, I have found that the Italian fare of Black Rice with Carrots and Peas offers a delightful blend of comfort and sophistication. I adore this recipe due to its infusion of effortlessly balanced ingredients that create a dish brimming with warmth and heartiness.
A Touch of Home and a Taste of Italy
Even though my culinary journey has deep roots in the richness of Creole cooking and the elegance of French patisserie, the world-wide range of ingredients and styles, particularly Italian cuisine, has never ceased to amaze me. The way the slightly nutty Italian black rice mingles with the fresh veggies draws an uncanny yet delightful parallel to the classic Southern dirty rice that I grew up relishing, creating a sense of nostalgia in every bite.
The recipe reminds me of the inventive versatility of chefs like Jamie Oliver, who always manage to sprinkle a fair dose of inspiration into my recipe development process.
Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Result
One reason this Black Rice with Carrots and Peas scene-stealer of a dish holds a special place in my heart is that it demands simplicity – fresh peas, aromatic garlic, finely chopped onion, and hearty carrots. Yet, the outcome is something you’d expect from a high-end Italian trattoria. The good news? You don’t require an intricate pantry to whip up this gastronomic delight. Just some regular, fresh produce and the star of the show – Italian black rice.
And what’s more, this well-seasoned bowl of goodness is super versatile. It can easily serve as a standalone meal given its nutrient-rich contents, or as an exotic side dish to a hearty roast chicken or a grilled fish. The presence of the comforting carrots, the pop of peas, and the subtle kick from black pepper all come together exquisitely to serve a flavorful experience.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Italian black rice
- 5 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the black rice thoroughly under cold water. Once cleaned, place the rice into a large saucepan and add the 5 cups of water or vegetable broth. Set the saucepan on high heat and bring this mixture to a boil.
Step Two
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it’s tender and has absorbed all of the water or broth. Take care to avoid overcooking, as we want the rice to have a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain any remaining liquid and set the rice aside.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking, grab a large frying pan and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set the pan on medium heat. Once heated, add your finely chopped onion and sauté it until it’s become translucent and tender – this should take around 5 minutes.
Step Four
Add the 3 minced cloves of garlic and diced carrots into the pan with the onions. Continue to sauté these ingredients for another 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are fully cooked and the garlic is aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step Five
Add the 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen peas, cooked black rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper into the pan. Stir well and fry the ingredients together for another 2 minutes, making sure the rice is well mixed with the vegetables.
Step Six
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper, if needed. Then scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the rice before serving. Your aromatic Black Rice with Carrots and Peas is now ready to enjoy!
