Mixed Vegetable Rice a Roni has something for everyone with this copycat recipe with orzo pasta, rice, zucchini, carrot, celery, and cheeses. Serve this dish as a stand-alone one-pot meal or as a side-dish.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and orzo, and stir to coat. Cook, stirring often, until the orzo turns golden brown, and the rice turns translucent.
1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup white rice, ½ cup orzo pasta
Pour the broth in, bring to a boil, turn heat to low, and cover. Cook, covered, for 10 - 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
2 cups vegetable broth
Remove from the heat and add the butter, grated zucchini, carrot, celery, cheddar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
2 tablespoons butter, 1 medium zucchini, 1 medium carrot, 1 celery stalk, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, Pinch salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Top with Parmesan and green onions. Enjoy!
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan, sliced green onion for garnish
Notes
The veggies can be grated either on a hand box grater, or in a food processor.