Maltese Baked Rice
Maltese baked rice is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect to enjoy all year round. It’s easy to make, and customizable to your tastes.
ESTIMATED COST : $7.65, or $1.25 a serve
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 grams, 7.05 ounces) basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 90 grams (3.17 ounces) small brown onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoons curry powder or to taste
- 3 tablespoons (36 grams, 1.27 ounces) tomato paste
- 375 grams (13.22 ounces) minced meat such as beef or pork
- 400 grams (14.12 ounces) diced canned tomatoes
- ¾ cup (188 ml/grams, 6.63 ounces) chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ cup (112 grams, 3.95 ounces) mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup (56 grams, 1.98 ounces) Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a medium sized pot, add water till about ¾ of the way up and bring to the boil. Add the rinsed rice and then reduce the water to a simmer. Simmer the rice over low to medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice starts to become tender. Stir occasionally. Then drain the rice and set aside. See note 1.
- In a medium to large frying pan, heat vegetable oil and add the brown onions. Cook until soft and lightly golden. Then add the minced garlic, curry powder, and tomato paste. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the minced meat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the mince into tiny pieces. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes or until the meat has cooked and turned from a pink to a brown color.
- Add the canned tomatoes and stock. Cook for a further 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Add ¾ of the grated mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese, lightly beaten eggs, rice and salt to taste.
- Turn off heat, and place mixture into a baking dish. See note 2. Smooth out the top gently with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has become golden brown.
- Remove from oven once baked, and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This is called parboiling your rice. It will help the rice get a soft and fluffy texture in the final dish. Cook the rice until just tender. Be careful not to overcook your rice.
- I used a 22 cm x 13 cm (8.66 inches x 5.11 inches) baking dish that can hold about 1.1 litres of liquid.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serveCalories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 16gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 517mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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