Tag Archives: rice

Ginger Shrimp with Coconut Rice

Ginger Shrimp with Coconut Rice

Anytime anyone says that the secret ingredient in a recipe is ketchup, you have the right to run away screaming. Not this time, though. The shrimp in this recipe are gloriously complex, with the perfect combination of ginger, Chinese Five Spice Powder, scallions and yes, ketchup. Don’t knock it till you try it. Continue reading

Appam (Sri Lankan Coconut Rice Pancakes)

Appam (Sri Lankan Coconut Rice Pancakes)

These pancakes are very similar to the Southern Indian dosa (lentil pancakes) that are served here in this country, with the added boon that they are flavored with lush coconut. They are perfect for sopping up curry or, better yet, filled with potatoes and peas and folded like a quesadilla. Better yet, they are vegan and gluten free, making them perfect for parties where you have eaters with dietary restrictions. A party is much sexier when all can partake. Continue reading

Mexican Chicken Vegetable Soup (Caldo Tlalpeño)

Mexican Chicken Vegetable Soup (Caldo Tlalpeño)

This dish, tortilla soup’s not so distant cousin, was supposedly created in the region of Jalisco, the Western state that also gave us mariachi music and tequila. It starts with the same simple stock of chicken and tomatoes, but amps up the flavor with the smoky punch of chipotle pepper. Continue reading

Wild Mushroom Risotto

The Quickest Wild Mushroom Risotto Ever

Yes, it takes only 10 minutes to cook. Yes, it frees you from 45 minutes of straight elbow grease. And yes, it’s simple enough to serve as a side. The only problem I now have is finding a dish complicated enough to cook for the folks I love for them alone. Continue reading

Italian Sausage and Rice Soup © Photo by Angela Gunder

Italian Sausage and Rice Soup

No surprise that one of my favorite dishes to prepare, soup, became one of my most loved pressure cooker experiments. This soup was no exception – wild rice usually taking a half an hour to cook is simmered for a mere 10 minutes. Best of all, because of the lack of evaporation, the stock retains all of the concentrated liquid without steaming up your house. Continue reading

jambalaya3

Chicken, Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya

This version is far from super traditional, but I love it because it is way easy to prepare and incredibly piquant and flavorful. Some of the harder ingredients to find are substituted with pantry and supermarket staples. Though cajun purists would call this Creole Rice for its inclusion of tomatoes, culinary great Paul Prudhomme puts tomatoes in his, so I feel that I’m not in the wrong. Continue reading

porcupine2

Porcupine Meatballs (Italian Beef Meatballs with Rice)

The porcupine “quills” come from rice – in this case, I use a pint of leftover white rice from Chinese takeout, but you can use any leftover rice or even partially cooked instant rice. With the instant variety, as the rice cooks it absorbs all the flavor from the meat and sauce, working similarly to breadcrumbs. The result is sumptuous and a whole lot easier to come by than an actual porcupine. Continue reading

charddolmades2

Swiss Chard Dolmades

These noble leaves are the kings of greenery in my book – tender yet hearty, and full of earthy flavor that so much more refined than spinach. Members of the beet family, the stalks vary in shade from paperwhite to golden and garnet (just as you’d see of beets in the market). While I typically love my chard sautéed simply with olive oil and garlic, or luxuriously bathed in locatelli, cream and melted shallots, the leaves are so versatile, you can work them into pretty unique formats. Continue reading

ricepilaf

Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo

This pilaf takes ordinary converted rice and boosts it with a bit of toasted orzo. The little pasta grains impart texture, nuttiness and a lovely color to the dish – you get depth of flavor with really no additional work. Continue reading

herbedpilaf

Herbed Pilaf

This simple rice pilaf is a celebration of the goodness of fresh herbs – if you are not inclined to grow your own, pick up the prettiest, leafiest bunches from the store or farmer’s market and go to town. Continue reading

chickenburrito

Chicken Burritos

I know, I know – you’re saying right now what could be so glamorous about this burrito? For me, above all of the other perfectly seasoned toppings, is the inclusion of savory shreds of oaxaca cheese. Continue reading

arancini

Arancini (Sicilian Fried Rice Balls or Supplí)

Arancini are gorgeous – the name itself means “little orange” in Italian and is an homage to the glorious golden color of these tangerine-sized delights as they are removed from the fryer. Crunchy and light on the outside, and creamy and luxe in the inside, these little babies are comfort food at its best. Continue reading

Hoppin' John © Photo by Angela Gunder

Hoppin’ John (Black-eyed Peas and Rice with Collard Greens)

This version is absolutely vegan and so very flavorful, you won’t miss the pork one bit. It’s good as a standalone dish, but if you are jonesing for some protein, try it with a little sliced andouille sausage or kielbasa. Any way you eat, you’ll be a lucky ducky (if but for having the opportunity to tuck into such a tasty dish!) Continue reading

basilfriedrice

Basil Fried Rice

This incredibly simple fried rice is versatile, and the combination of garlic, chilies and fragrant basil is a lovely alternative to the usual fried rice. Try it sometime as a lovely alternative to Chinese takeout. It suits your taste buds a whole lot more. Continue reading

shrimprisotto

Shrimp Risotto

There are a million variations on this recipe, and the good news is that you can use the same ingredients below and just swap out the shrimp for whatever your heart desires – blanched asparagus spears, porcini mushrooms, lobster, roasted butternut squash, you name it. Continue reading

Italian Chicken Soup © Photo by Angela Gunder

Italian Chicken Soup

There’s something about the tender rice and chicken, salty parmasean and delicate bits of egg that make this a go-to for me whenever I need a bit of comfort. Making the stock from scratch is important, but in a pinch, you could make this with broth – just make sure you don’t leave out the egg and cheese. Continue reading