I really love main dishes that can be cooked all in one pan, downsized for a smaller family and that are simple, yet delicious, using things I have in my cupboard. I also love creating new ways to use my leftovers. This tasty dish incoporates all of the above criteria.
Although the initial recipe is sized for 4 to 6 people (depending on appetites) it is also easily downsized to feed 2 or 3 by simply cutting all of the ingredients in half.
It all gets cooked in one pan, easy peasy and minimal clean up required.
I had leftover ham and vegetables that needed using . . . they went together perfectly in this, or you can simply use a frozen vegetable mix. Whichever is easiest for you and more convenient.
It goes together quickly and with minimum of fuss. It almost reminds me of rice-aroni, in that you sautee the rice and some vermicelli in a bit of butter first.
I miss rice-aroni. I was especially fond of the spanish one, but then I am cuckoo for tomato anything and spanish flavours . . .
Cheese . . . it has cheese. I love anything with cheese and ham and vegetables and rice all go very well with cheese.
If you have all the ingredients assembled, it goes together in a flash and you can have it on the table in less than half an hour. This is a plus for me and makes for a great weeknight dinner.
All you need on the side is a mixed salad and some crusty bread if you are so inclined and we usually are.
*Cheesy Ham and Vegetable Rice*Serves 4 - 6Printable Recipe
This is simple and delicious. I love it because it only dirties one pot. We both love it because it's very tasty! A bit of salad and some bread on the side and dinner is served!
3 TBS butter90g vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces (1 cup)210g long grain white rice (1 cup)2 chicken boullion cubes709ml boiling water 300g frozen vegetable mix (2 cups)225ml milk (1 cup)240g grated strong cheddar cheese1/2 pound cooked ham, cubedsalt and black pepper to taste
Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Once it begins to foam, add the noodles, rice and ham. Cook, stirring often, over medium heat, until the noodles and rice begin to brown. Take care not to burn it. Add the boiling water and boullion cubes. Stir, and bring back to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Lay the frozen vegetables on top.
Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. At the nd of that time test the rice/noodles to see if they are cooked through and all of the water has been absorbed.. If not you can add another 120ml of boiling water and cook longer, until they are tender. Add the milk and cheese, stir through and heat to melt the cheese. Taste and adjust season as desired. Serve immediately.
I really hope you will give this a go and that you enjoy it. I have been known to buy a slab of ham just to cook this. It is that tasty and something which my husband loves! Bon Appetit!
