This Easy Summer Squash Rice is a light and colorful dish perfect for warm days. With fresh squash and seasoned rice, it’s a tasty way to enjoy veggies!
I love how quick it is to make; just sauté the squash and mix it with warm rice. Perfect for a last-minute dinner or a picnic side! Plus, it lets summer shine on your plate. ☀️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the base for this dish. You can swap it for brown rice for extra fiber or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking times as needed!
Summer Squash & Zucchini: I love yellow summer squash for its sweetness, but any summer squash works well here. If you can’t find zucchini, you can add other veggies like carrots or green beans.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and color. If you’re not a fan or don’t have it, use any sweet pepper or even a handful of frozen peas for a quick swap.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers a lovely flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder, about 1/8 teaspoon should do.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds a tasty touch. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How Do You Get the Rice Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking rice may seem tricky, but it’s all about the method. Rinsing the rice is key to removing excess starch, which helps avoid stickiness. Follow these simple steps:
- Start with a saucepan of clean, cold water and let the rice soak briefly. This allows for even cooking.
- Bring your broth (or water) to a boil before adding the rice, ensuring a good cook from the start.
- Once you add the rice, cover it tightly. This keeps the steam in, crucial for fluffy rice.
Let it sit after cooking for a few minutes. This resting period allows the grains to settle and absorb any remaining moisture. Fluff with a fork before serving to separate the grains!
Easy Summer Squash Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow summer squash, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy summer squash rice dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 20 minutes to cook the rice after you’ve started. That’s it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice won’t be sticky. Once rinsed, drain the rice well.
2. Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
While your rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, toss in the diced yellow squash, zucchini (if using), and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Season the Veggies:
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika to season the vegetables while they’re cooking. Stir well to mix the spices into the veggies.
5. Combine Everything:
Once the rice has rested, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together well, allowing it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This is where the flavors meld together!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. If you like, add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve:
Serve the Easy Summer Squash Rice warm as a delightful main dish or a colorful side. Enjoy every bite of this light, flavorful dish that celebrates summer!
FAQs About Easy Summer Squash Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes, and use the same amount of broth or water.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
Feel free to get creative! If you don’t have summer squash or zucchini, you can use any other seasonal veggies you like, such as carrots, green beans, or even corn. Just ensure they are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in the microwave or sauté them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to freshen them up.
Can This Dish Be Made Vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses vegetable broth and omits any animal products. Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
