Are you craving a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This Cava Right Rice recipe is your answer. It’s a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with bright, zesty flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend lunch, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste and dietary needs. Get ready to elevate your rice game!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or other short-grain rice)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Step 2: Simmering the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork before proceeding.
Step 3: Assembling the Cava Right Rice
While the rice simmers, prepare the remaining ingredients. Chop the cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Halve the Kalamata olives. Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
Gently fold in the feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make a wonderful addition to this dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetarian/vegan friendly and omit or substitute the feta cheese for a vegan alternative.
- Fresh herbs are key: Don't skip the fresh parsley; it adds a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Adjust the lemon juice: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 7-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Cava Right Rice recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and easy recipes. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it's packed with flavor. This homemade cooking creation is sure to become a new family favorite, demonstrating that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!