Rizibizi
Ingredients: Ingredients: rice mixed with vegetables (of your choice) 100 g shrimp (if cooking for 4 people) salt, pepper, chopped green parsley
Preparation: To prepare a delicious side of rizibizi, we start by carefully measuring the rice. Depending on the number of servings desired, we will put a handful of rice for each person. For example, if we want to serve four people, we will use four handfuls of rice. It is essential to wash the rice under a stream of cold water to remove impurities and excess starch, which will help us achieve less sticky rice.
After washing the rice, we put it in a pot and, using the same pot, add twice the amount of water compared to the rice. Thus, for the four handfuls of rice, we will add eight handfuls of water. In a separate pot, we melt 100 grams of butter until it becomes liquid. It is important to ensure that the butter does not burn, so we will keep the heat at medium intensity.
Once the butter has melted, we add the washed rice and lightly fry it. This process will help develop the flavors and give the rice a pleasant texture. We aim to achieve a whitish-matte hue, indicating that the rice is ready for the next step. After the rice has been fried, we add our favorite vegetables, chopped finely. These can include carrots, bell peppers, onions, or peas, depending on culinary preferences. We sauté the vegetables together with the rice for a few minutes until they become slightly soft.
Once the vegetables are softened, we pour the previously measured water over the rice. We season with salt, pepper, and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley, which will add a touch of freshness to the dish. We bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a minimum and cover the pot with a lid. We let the rice simmer on low heat without lifting the lid, allowing the steam to help cook it evenly.
When the rice is half-cooked, we turn off the heat but keep the pot covered for 15 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the rice will continue to absorb the steam and become perfectly cooked. The final result will be fluffy rice, full of flavor and vibrant colors, which can be served as a side dish alongside any meat dish or, for a vegan option, can be enjoyed simply by adding a drizzle of olive oil and some herbs. This simple and tasty recipe will surely add a burst of flavor to your meal, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
