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Drawing from risotto’s timeless Italian technique, this vegetarian-friendly dish slow-cooks rice in warm stock.
This creamy herb rice is similar to a risotto but doesn’t need a lot of skill to make.
In the realm of comfort food, a luscious but no-fuss one-pan meal works wonders on weeknights when the motivation to cook food for yourself or your family is at an all-time low after a hard day at work. However, a simple recipe that comes together in one pot can transform simple pantry staples into a symphony of flavours and textures.
Drawing from risotto’s timeless Italian technique, this vegetarian-friendly dish slow-cooks rice in warm stock until each plump grain bursts with creamy starch, enveloping garlicky mushrooms and tender zucchini in a velvety embrace. A final flourish of heavy cream, nutty Parmesan, fresh dill, parsley, and wilted spinach delivers herbaceous brightness, while cracked black pepper and basil add a peppery kiss.
Creamy Italian Herb Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup India Gate Classic rice
- 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup mushrooms
- ½ cup zucchini
- ½ cup spinach (optional)
- 2–2½ cups warm vegetable stock
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper
- ¼ cup cream (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or processed cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Method:
- Prep ingredients: finely chop garlic cloves and a medium onion. Slice the mushrooms and zucchini thinly. Measure 1 cup of India Gate Classic rice and heat up the vegetable stock in a separate pot. Grate ½ cup Parmesan; chop fresh herbs and finely chop some spinach to create your mise en place.
- Sauté base: In a wide heavy-bottom pan, heat 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown). Add onions; cook 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms/zucchini. Season lightly with salt. Stir-fry 5-7 minutes until they release moisture and turn golden/soft. Scrape pan bottom for flavor.
- Toast rice: Add the India Gate Classic rice and stir it for 1-2 minutes until the grains turn opaque and coated in oil—unlocks starch for creaminess.
- Build risotto: Pour ½ cup warm stock. Stir gently until absorbed (wooden spoon, rice should move freely). Repeat gradually (total 3½ cups), 18-22 minutes on low simmer. Rice should be al dente, suspended in thick, creamy sauce.
- Finish creamy: Off heat, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream, Parmesan, herbs, spinach. Cover 2 minutes—spinach wilts, cheese melts.
- Season & serve: Crack black pepper. Garnish with basil.
- Optional: Top with grilled paneer cubes, shredded tandoori chicken, and roasted cherry tomatoes for a protein burst and tang.
- Pro Tip: Constant gentle stirring creates a velvety texture. Patience yields perfection!
February 26, 2026, 21:18 IST