Riso al Forno (Italian Baked Rice)

Bake this delicious Italian rice casserole and enjoy a heavenly combination of rice, herbs, spices, and Italian cheese in every single bite.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 443 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• water as needed
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 (23 ounce) jar tomato puree (passata)
• 1 cup cubed provolone cheese
• 0.5 cup dry bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.75 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1.25 cups uncooked short-grain white rice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and bread crumbs together in a bowl; set aside.

Step 2

While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 3

Remove the Dutch oven from the stove and gently stir in provolone cheese. Sprinkle reserved bread crumb mixture on top.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and browned on top, about 15 minutes.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add tomato purée, vegetable broth, peas, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Add rice and mix well. Cover and simmer, adding a bit of water if necessary to keep rice from sticking to the bottom, until tender, about 18 minutes.