Rainbow Rice

by Faz Koriya
(Harare Zimbabwe)

Rainbow Rice

This colorful Rainbow Rice recipe is packed with vegetables and makes a healthy lunch or dinner kids enjoy eating. The bright vegetables and mild seasonings create a fun meal that works well for families, classrooms, and preschool cooking programs.

Ingredients

1 cup freshly diced vegetables such as green beans, carrots, butternut squash, corn, zucchini, peas, or eggplant
1/2 onion, diced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup rice or pasta, cooked and drained

Directions

In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until lightly golden. Add the diced tomato and carrots and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining vegetables. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well and continue simmering for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add a small amount of water if the mixture begins sticking to the pan. Cook the rice or pasta according to package directions and drain well. Toss the cooked rice or pasta into the vegetable mixture and stir until evenly combined and heated through. Serve warm.

Yield: About 4 servings.

Kid Cooking Tip

Kids can help wash vegetables, stir the rice, measure seasonings, and choose their favorite colorful vegetables to add.

Variation Ideas

Add cooked ground meat, chicken sausage, beans, tofu, or shredded chicken for additional protein.

Serving Ideas

Serve as a lunch, side dish, or simple dinner with fruit, yogurt, or salad.

Classroom Cooking Idea: This recipe works especially well for preschool, homeschool, and classroom cooking because children can help identify colors, practice measuring, and learn about healthy vegetables while cooking.