Riso con Fagiolini (Rice with Green Beans)

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Riso con Fagiolini

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, measuring cups, ladle, strainer.

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 cup Arborio rice or any short-grain rice
• 2 cups green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Method
• Prepare the Ingredients:
• Start by trimming the ends of the green beans and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Add the Rice:
• Add the Arborio rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
• Incorporate the Broth:
• Slowly add the vegetable broth to the pot, one cup at a time. Stir gently to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process should take about 15 minutes.
• Add the Green Beans:
• Once the rice is almost cooked (it should be al dente), stir in the green beans. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the beans are tender but still crisp.
• Season and Serve:
• Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.
• Garnish and Enjoy:
• Serve the Riso con Fagiolini hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat products.
• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans for extra protein.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor.

Riso con Fagiolini is a delightful Italian dish that marries the comforting essence of rice with the vibrant freshness of green beans. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that showcases how a few ingredients can create a nourishing and tasty dish. From my own personal experience, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen. Let me show you how I make this easy and flavorful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

Riso con Fagiolini is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your taste preferences. The rice should be creamy and slightly sticky due to the Arborio rice, while the green beans add a satisfying crunch. The flavors are mild but comforting, making it a great option for families and gatherings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Cost of Ingredients: About $10 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, cutting board, knife, measuring cups, ladle, strainer.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Riso con Fagiolini  here.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Riso con Fagiolini  here.

Method

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Start by trimming the ends of the green beans and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice:
   • Add the Arborio rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
4. Incorporate the Broth:
   • Slowly add the vegetable broth to the pot, one cup at a time. Stir gently to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process should take about 15 minutes.
5. Add the Green Beans:
   • Once the rice is almost cooked (it should be al dente), stir in the green beans. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the beans are tender but still crisp.
6. Season and Serve:
   • Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Riso con Fagiolini hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat products.
• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans for extra protein.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Riso con Fagiolini  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Rice Substitution: If you don’t have Arborio rice, any short-grain or medium-grain rice can work, but the texture will vary.
• Broth Options: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought is a convenient alternative.
• Green Bean Alternatives: You can substitute green beans with other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 8g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Riso con Fagiolini seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment. Enjoy your cooking journey!