VEGETARIAN BROWN RICE SALAD WITH PARSNIPS AND WHIPPED RICOTTA

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Vegetarian Brown Rice Salad With Parsnips and Whipped Ricotta image

This simple rice salad combines hearty parsnips, toasty hazelnuts, sweet orange segments, and crispy Little Gem lettuce for a bright, refreshing dinner. Creamy whipped ricotta finishes the meal with rich, filling protein.

Provided by Katherine Sacks

Categories     Vegetarian     Rice     Dinner     Orange     Parsnip     Ricotta     Hazelnut     Lettuce     Parsley     Wheat/Gluten-Free     No Meat, No Problem

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 cup short-grain brown rice
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more, divided
2 large oranges, divided
1 bunch (about 1 1/2 pounds) parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/4" coins
1 garlic clove, smashed
4 sprigs rosemary
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts
1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 heads Little Gem lettuce or baby romaine hearts, torn into bite-size pieces (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup whole parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 450°F. Mix rice, 1 Tbsp. oil, a pinch of salt, and 5 cups water in a medium heavy saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until rice is al dente, about 25 minutes. Drain, then rinse with cool water; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, zest 1 orange and transfer zest to a small bowl; reserve orange. Toss parsnips, garlic, rosemary, cayenne, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. orange zest on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing once halfway through, until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Toast hazelnuts on rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
  • Blend ricotta, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or use a whisk) until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Peel remaining orange. Slice into 1/4" rounds, then cut into half moons.
  • Juice reserved orange. Whisk vinegar, honey, pepper, 2 tsp. orange zest, 3 Tbsp. orange juice, and remaining 1/4 cup oil and 1 tsp. salt in another large bowl until smooth.
  • Toss rice, parsnips mixture, lettuce, orange rounds, hazelnuts, and parsley in bowl with vinegar mixture. Spread ricotta mixture on a platter and arrange salad over. Serve immediately.
  • Do Ahead
  • Rice and parsnips can be prepared 2 days ahead; store in separate containers, cover, and chill.

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