Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/cheesy-zucchini-rice/
Cheesy Zucchini Rice Recipe
If you’ve got a couple of zucchini and no idea what to do with them, this Cheesy Zucchini Rice is it: creamy, cheesy comfort made in one pot in about 30 minutes. Fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon keep it feeling light, and it’s a sneaky-easy way to get everyone eating their veggies.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ yellow onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ¼ cups basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium zucchini grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ yellow onion, 3 garlic cloves
- Add the broth, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add the rice and salt, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.2 cups chicken broth, 1 ¼ cups basmati rice, 1 teaspoon salt
- Remove from the heat and stir in the grated zucchini. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.2 medium zucchini
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, basil, and lemon juice just before serving.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Notes
- Rice: Basmati keeps this light and fragrant. Long-grain white or jasmine work as a 1:1 swap; just add a splash more broth. Brown rice works too with about ½ cup more broth and a longer cook time.
- Zucchini: No need to peel or squeeze it dry. The moisture cooks right into the rice and keeps it creamy. Two medium zucchini gives you about 2 cups grated.
- Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar off the block melts best. Sharp cheddar has the most flavor, but a mild cheddar or a cheddar blend also work.
- Lemon: Always stir the lemon juice in off the heat, right before serving, so it stays bright instead of turning sharp.
- Salt: Broth brands vary in saltiness, so taste before serving and adjust.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 809mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 1mg
