Savory Baked Rice with Vegetables

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Savory Baked Rice with Vegetables.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   While that warms up, give a light spray to a 2-quart casserole dish with your favorite cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

3. Step 3

   Next, take your long-grain rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a nice base for all those delicious flavors to come.

4. Step 4

   In a saucepan, drizzle in some olive oil and heat it over medium.

5. Step 5

   Toss in diced carrots, celery, and onion, letting them sizzle until the onion turns soft and translucent—this should take about 4 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Add in minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

7. Step 7

   Now, crank up the heat to high and pour in the chicken stock along with a bay leaf.

8. Step 8

   Bring this mixture to a lively boil, letting all those flavors mingle.

9. Step 9

   Once boiling, carefully pour the hot vegetable and stock mixture over the rice in your casserole dish.

10. Step 10

    Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam.

11. Step 11

    Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes.

12. Step 12

    After that time, remove the foil and continue baking until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid—this should take about another 20 minutes.

13. Step 13

    When it’s done, don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf.

14. Step 14

    Give the rice a gentle fluff with a fork, season it with a sprinkle of ground black pepper to taste, and get ready to serve up a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!.