Ingredients:

Rice – 1 cup (about 200 g)

Salt – to taste

Vegetable oil – for sautéing

Onion – 1 medium, chopped

Bell pepper – 1 medium, chopped

Broccoli – 450 g (about 3 cups), cut into florets

Carrot – 1 large, grated

Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Black pepper – to taste

Paprika – to taste

Mozzarella cheese – 200 g (about 3.5 ounces), shredded

Eggs – 4 large

Vegetable oil – for greasing the baking dish

Directions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   • Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the rice and cook according to the package instructions, or until the rice is tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
   • Add the chopped bell pepper and grated carrot, and continue to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
   • Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 3 minutes, then drain and immediately place the broccoli in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
4. Prepare the Seasonings:
   • Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and blanched broccoli.
   • Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.
6. Prepare the Eggs:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the 4 eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Pour the eggs over the rice and vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
   • Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and pour the rice and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty flavors of rice, vegetables, and cheese!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this casserole as a main dish with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Blanch the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps keep it tender while maintaining its vibrant color.
• Customize the veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to suit your taste.
• Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Carrots provide beta-carotene and antioxidants.
• Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
• Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
• Eggs add protein and help bind the casserole together.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them)
• Contains dairy (from the cheese) and eggs

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~300
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

Storage:

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Conclusion
This Baked Rice and Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the week. With the combination of tender vegetables, melted mozzarella, and fluffy rice, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to please!

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly.
• Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and cheese for a balanced meal.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables and seasonings to make it your own.

Enjoy!