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Perfect Italian Oven-Baked Rice Recipe

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4 from 1 review

This Perfect Italian Oven-Baked Rice recipe delivers tender, flavorful rice infused with savory Italian herbs and garlic. Oven-baking the rice in broth and olive oil creates a moist, fluffy texture without the need for constant stirring. Finished with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, this easy, hands-off side dish pairs beautifully with Italian meals or can stand alone as a comforting dish.

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

Rice Preparation

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice such as Jasmine or Basmati, rinsed
  • Fresh water for rinsing rice

Rice Baking Mixture

  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (preferably Italian-style stock or light broth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Finish

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley or basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Place the rice in a medium-sized bowl and cover it with plenty of fresh water. Use your hand to stir or gently rub the grains together in a circular motion to remove excess starch. Pour out the cloudy water using a fine-mesh sieve or your hand to catch the grains. Repeat this rinsing 3-4 times until the water runs clear or nearly clear. Drain well before cooking.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed rice to the baking dish, then pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder or minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently with a spoon to evenly distribute all ingredients without mashing the rice.
  4. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap steam inside and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 38 minutes. The rice is done when the liquid has been fully absorbed and the grains are tender.
  5. Rest the rice: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and settle.
  6. Fluff and finish: Carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Before serving, add the optional finishes: sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley or basil, and a crack of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the Italian flavors.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and ensures the grains stay separate after baking.
  • Heavy-duty foil is recommended to effectively trap steam and create a perfect cooking environment.
  • If using minced fresh garlic, consider reducing the garlic powder accordingly or omit it.
  • You can substitute the broth with water plus Italian seasoning if preferred, but broth adds depth of flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/perfect-italian-oven-baked-rice-recipe/