Zesty Green Baked Rice

Embrace the Zest with Green Baked Rice! This green veggie delight brings together the wholesome goodness of brown rice, the cleansing properties of kale, and the distinctive taste of fennel. It's a simple yet sensational dish that's tailor-made for those hectic weeknights, offering a generous serving of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in every bite. Give your taste buds a treat while treating your body to the goodness it craves. Plus, it's the perfect addition to any summer BBQ party, adding a fresh and healthy twist to your outdoor gatherings. Whether served as a vibrant side dish or a light main course, this Green Baked Rice is sure to impress your guests and complement those grilled favorites.

Ingredients

1 cup brown rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, thinly chopped

1 fennel greens, thinly chopped

whole head of celery stalk, thinly chopped

1 bunch of Kale, chopped

1 lemon, zest

2 cups water

2 tablespoons vegetable base

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Add the brown rice and cook for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

In a nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add the fennel and celery, and continue to sauté until tender. Stir in the chopped kale and lemon zest, and cook until the kale wilts.

Transfer the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and mix well.

Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of boiling water with the vegetable broth base. Pour this mixture over the rice and vegetables in the baking dish. Cover with a lid or foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious baked rice and vegetable dish!