Baked rice pie

I love a rice pie. There's something very homely about it, and it's not even something I remember strongly from childhood food. It's just comforting and warming, whilst being healthy. One great thing about it is that it's fantastic served warm from the pan or cold the next day - and I do mean the next day. Make sure you put it in the fridge as soon as possible - rice is notorious for causing food poisoning if not cooled correctly. The longer it is stored the more likely the bacteria will grow and make you sick. Please be aware, I normally ignore these notices, but I've witnessed it - thankfully not first hand. It's really not worth risking.

You can use any vegetables at hand for this main, it's a dish that suits so many flavours and textures. It's a good one for using up the odds and ends in the fridge, and still comes out tasty and fresh.

Serves 4, with salad or side dish

150g white long grain rice
1 bunch spring onions
2 carrots
1 courgette
1 small pot natural yoghurt
2 large, free-range eggs
Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6/400°F
1, Start by washing your rice. Put it in a large pot and cover it generously in cold water. Swirl it with your hands and drain. Repeat this process until the water runs clear - the cloudy water contains starches that will make your rice sticky.
2, Put the rice in a large pan and cover with cold water, the traditional method is to cover with water up to the first knuckle on your pinky above the rice. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and put on a medium heat with a lid.
3, While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. It's really down to personal choice how you do this, I cut the cut it into varying sizes and then either steam or saute it all together in a pan until almost cooked.
4, When the rice is al dente (tender but with bite) drain and leave to cool for about five minutes.
5, Tip the rice into a large pan and add the vegetables. Stir in the yoghurt.
6, Whisk the eggs and add these when the rice mix is no longer hot, just warm.
7, Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8, When it is all throughly mixed, transfer to a greased baking tray and cook in the oven for about 30 mins, or until the middle of the bake is no longer gooey.