Garden Veggies Over Rice

Picking vegetables in the garden usually provides a variety and abundance of squash to eat, along with other vegetables. Pick some herbs every time you are in the garden to use in the dishes you prepare with what you harvest. With what you have, you can fix this super easy dish, make it as big as you need it, and use whatever herbs you pick.

The flavors in this dish will vary with the choices of vegetables and herbs, making it a fun and creative way to cook. It is a good dish for your 'meatless' meal nite or as a side for other entries. Don't be afraid to try new things in it.

Garden Veggies Over Rice begins with preparing the rice first so it can cook while the vegetables are prepared. Fix rice in your favorite way in the amount you need to feed your family. I usually fix 2 cups of rice in 4 cups of water with a little olive oil or butter added, and some parsley. Bring the water to boil, add the rice and parsley and let it come to a boil again, stir once, cover tightly, reduce the flame so it will simmer for about 20 minutes. While it's cooking, get out a stir fry pan or wok and all the veggies you want to use, as well as herbs.

I always start with saute-ing some onion, any kind I have on hand, or leek, and a few cloves of garlic in some olive oil. While it is simmering, you can throw on some herbs and wine and have some true aroma therapy for cooks while you clean, trim and slice your veggies for the pan. The veggies that take the longest to cook are the ones you want to get ready for the pan first. Toss them in as you get them done.

Usually I will put bell pepper or any other pepper in next, and some mushrooms if I have some. Then the squash can go into the pan, and lastly any soft leafy green you wish to add. Spinach is excellent in stir fry dishes and adds a deep green color. Red peppers are colorful also.

Stir the veggies often as you add more to the pan. You also may need to add more olive oil as the pan get fuller. You can substitute butter and wine for a more mediteranian taste. At the last minute of cooking, add some optional flavorings such as: Italian seasoning or any other kind you like, fresh basil and parsley from the garden, soy sauce, oyster sauce, S&P.

This dish goes well with some fresh French bread, garlic bread, wine, steak, seafood, more wine, and desserts!