Ingredients and Weight:
- Rice: 2 cups (uncooked)
- Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons
- Vegetable broth or water: 8 cups
- Carrots: 1 large, diced (about 1 cup)
- Celery: 2 ribs, diced (about ½ cup)
- Onion: 1 small, diced (about ½ cup)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Fresh spinach leaves: 1 bunch (optional, for added nutrition and color)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil.
- Add rice and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté the diced carrots, celery, and onions until slightly softened.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with rice and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- If using spinach, add it into the pot for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasonings and remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, in bowls or mugs.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on the type of rice used)
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A comforting vegetarian soup with a hint of citrusy flavor from lemon juice.
- A balance of vegetables and rice creates a satisfying meal that is both filling and nourishing.
- The dish is suitable for those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine or are looking for a lighter, yet flavorful soup option.
User Comments:
- "This soup was refreshing and filling. The lemon juice added a unique touch to the traditional rice soup." - John Doe, New York City
- "My family loved this dish. It was easy to make and full of flavor." - Jane Smith, Los Angeles
- "The combination of vegetables and lemon juice created a delightful flavor combination." - Michael Johnson, San Francisco
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice for best results; avoid using bottled lemon juice which may have added preservatives.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference for a more or less citrusy flavor.
- This soup can be served as a starter or a light meal on its own. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or light salads.
