Nutty Almond Butter Vegetable Rice Casserole
A hearty baked rice casserole combining tender vegetables with creamy almond butter for richness and protein. Fresh beet greens add earthy flavor while carrots, onions, and aromatic ginger create a satisfying base. The almond butter and milk mixture binds everything into a creamy, cohesive dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This wholesome casserole offers a unique twist on traditional rice dishes with its nutty flavor profile and varied textures from properly cooked vegetables.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rice, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups water
- 8 large beet leaves, choppedspinach1:1availability
milder flavor
- 3 big carrots, chopped
- 3 tablespoons onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup almond butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- 2
Soak rice in water for ten minutes in the cooking pot
- 3
Mix almond butter and milk thoroughly in a small bowl and set aside
- 4
Chop carrots, onion, garlic and ginger
- 5
Drain and rinse rice, add fresh water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer on medium-low for eight minutes
- 6
Saute carrots, onion, garlic and ginger in olive oil until they begin to be tender, stirring occasionally
- 7
Chop beet greens into bite-size pieces
- 8
When rice is cooked, turn off heat and let stand covered for ten minutes
- 9
Add beet greens to vegetable saute and cook until just tender
- 10
Remove lid from rice, add almond butter and milk mixture, and stir thoroughly
- 11
Add vegetable saute mixture to rice and stir thoroughly
- 12
Pour mixture into a medium casserole and top with paprika and salt
- 13
Cook covered for ten minutes
Tips
Don't overcook the beet greens to maintain varied textures and prevent the casserole from becoming mushy
Let the rice stand covered for the full ten minutes to ensure proper absorption and fluffiness
Mix the almond butter and milk thoroughly before adding to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and baked when ready
Serve hot directly from casserole dish
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the rice soaking and standing time to avoid undercooked grains
Avoid overcooking beet greens to maintain texture contrast
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 18-20 minutes and add extra water as brown rice requires longer cooking and more liquid.
What if I can't find beet greens?
Substitute with spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Add heartier greens earlier and delicate ones like spinach at the very end.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven until heated through.