Delia Smith Pesto Rice

Delia Smith's Pesto Rice is a delightful dish that combines the creamy, herby flavors of pesto with the comforting texture of Arborio rice. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the wonders of homemade pesto, not just in pasta, but in a rice dish that can be served warm as a first course or as a delectable side to fish or chicken. When served cold, it makes for an excellent addition to a buffet spread of salads.

Ingredients for the Pesto Rice

• For the Pesto:
  • Fresh basil leaves (57 grams)
  • Pine nuts (1 tablespoon)
  • A large clove of garlic, crushed
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (28 grams)
  • Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• For the Rice:
  • Arborio rice (1 cup)
  • Vegetable stock (2 cups)
  • Additional sea salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Lemon juice (from one lemon)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
• Garnish:
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn or bruised
  • Green onions (4), finely sliced
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese, pared into shavings

Preparation Instructions

1. Pesto Preparation: Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor, blending until smooth. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese afterward.
2. Cooking the Rice: Heat the vegetable stock in a saucepan without letting it boil. In another pan, mix a few spoonfuls of pesto with the rice to coat the grains evenly, then add the heated vegetable stock. Cook covered on low heat for 20 minutes.
3. Final Touches: After the rice is cooked, stir in the remaining pesto, lemon juice, olive oil, and season with black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, green onions, and Parmesan shavings right before serving, whether warm or cold.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little water or vegetable stock to prevent the rice from drying out, then warm it in a microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in carbohydrates from the rice and provides healthy fats from the olive oil and pine nuts. Parmesan cheese adds protein and calcium but also sodium, so those monitoring their salt intake should consider this.

FAQ about the Pesto Rice

• Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto will give the dish a fresher taste.
• What can I serve with Pesto Rice? It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a variety of roasted vegetables.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, Arborio rice is gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Delia Smith's approach to Pesto Rice showcases her skill in creating simple yet flavorful dishes that home cooks can easily replicate. The original recipe can be found on Delia Online, illustrating her method for crafting this delightful dish​​​​​​.