Best Easy Riso e Verza Recipe

Simple rice and cabbage soup from northern Italy is warming and nourishing. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is a healthy, fresh family meal perfect for chilly winter evenings.

Cook 40 min Difficulty EASY 230 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #healthy #easy soup
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • short-grain rice 1 cup
  • green cabbage 1 lb
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • celery stalk 1 pieces
  • vegetable broth 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 41 g 71%
Protein 5 g 9%
Fat 5 g 20%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened but not browned.

  2. 2

    Stir in the sliced green cabbage and sweat for 5–6 minutes, stirring often. The cabbage should wilt but not brown.

  3. 3

    Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to maintain a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Add the rice, stir well, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender but not mushy.

  5. 5

    Check seasoning. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Cabbage is the star ingredient of riso e verza, providing a gentle sweetness and hearty texture that define this comforting northern Italian soup. Alongside the rice, its flavor forms the foundation of the dish.
Q. Which step is most important for flavor?
Gently sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil creates a rich aromatic base. Allowing the cabbage to wilt without browning preserves its delicate taste and keeps the soup fresh and light.
Q. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Add the rice only after the soup base boils, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and check after 15 minutes—the rice should be tender but still have subtle bite. Avoid overcooking by removing the pot from heat as soon as the rice is done.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each serving contains about 230 kcal, with 41g carbohydrates, 5g protein, and 5g fat. Carbohydrates account for roughly 71% of calories, making this a warming, energy-rich vegetarian meal.
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