Description
A wholesome and comforting dish that combines tender zucchini, earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. This flavorful casserole is the perfect balance of textures and tastes, ideal as a main course or a hearty side dish. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini
- 1 sweet pepper, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 100 grams rice
- 200 ml water
- 200 ml cream
- 150 grams mushrooms, sliced
- Olive oil for cooking and greasing
- A bunch of parsley (optional), chopped
- 150 grams hard cheese, grated
- Mayonnaise sauce, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the zucchini and slice it into rounds or half-moons. Chop the sweet pepper and onion, and slice the mushrooms. Grate the cheese and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice:
- In a saucepan, bring 200 ml of water to a boil. Add the rice, a pinch of salt, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Set the cooked rice aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the sweet pepper and mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
4. Combine Rice and Vegetables:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to ensure even flavor distribution.
5. Prepare the Zucchini Base:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
6. Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the rice and vegetable mixture evenly over the zucchini.
- Drizzle the cream over the mixture, letting it seep through.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and add dollops of mayonnaise sauce for extra creaminess.
7. Bake the Dish:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Cheese Substitutions: Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate; bake fresh when ready to serve.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean