Tag Archives: rice

Mediterranean Rice Salad

. picnic food, potluck food, salads, sides . , ,

Mediterranean rice salad
The secret to this flavorful salad is mixing the raw spinach leaves with the hot rice – the steaming rice sort of blanches the spinach leaves. They become brighter and more tender and are able to retain their flavor and nutritional value. Cut up all veggies while the rice is cooking because you’ll need the spinach leaves to be ready immediately after the rice is done cooking.

1 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

Cook rice according to directions.

In a large bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

Add cooked rice to dressing and mix well. Add spinach, mix, and let stand for about 15-20 minutes, until rice has cooled a bit.

Add remaining ingredients and blend.

savory stuffed peppers

. entrees . , , , ,

savory stuffed peppers on a plate with a hunk of crusty bread and a glass of wineWhy have boring green peppers when you can feast your eyes on orange, yellow, and sweet red peppers stuffed with a savory rice-rich mixture? Any leftover rice mix can be baked in a loaf pan. If you use fresh herbs in this recipe, use three times the quantity.

Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients; if you prep before you start, it goes much more quickly!

1 bell pepper of each color: red, yellow, orange
1 cup wild rice blend, cooked according to directions
2 Tbs. olive oil
½ cup onion, diced
2/3 cup chopped bell peppers, any color
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
½ tsp. sea salt, and black pepper to taste
Dash of cayenne pepper
½ cup tomato juice
¼ cup ketchup
½ cup TVP
1 Tbs. dried parsley flakes (3 Tbs. fresh)
2 tsp. dried basil leaves (2 Tbs. fresh)
1 tsp. dried oregano (1 Tbs. fresh)

Cut peppers in half crosswise or lengthwise. Remove stem, seeds, and ribs.

Blanch for 1 minute: Place into boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and immediately place into ice water bath for 1 minute. Set each pepper on a rack or towel to drain.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While rice is cooking, prep the vegetables.

In a large pan, sauté onion and chopped peppers in oil for 2 minutes.

Add spinach, mushrooms, garlic, salt, and black and cayenne pepper. Cook on medium heat until spinach and mushrooms are soft, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add cooked rice, tomato juice and ketchup, TVP and spices; blend well. Turn off heat and let stand 5 minutes.

Place pepper halves in a 9 x 13 pan sprayed with oil. Stuff gently with rice mixture.

Bake, loosely covered with foil, for 1 hour.

coconut curry soup with tofu

. Asia, soups . , , , , ,

a bowl of vegan coconut curry soup

Beautiful fragrant golden soup with tofu – yum! Red bell pepper and cilantro make a colorful addition – sort of like fireworks – and the curry can be like fireworks in your mouth! If you like it milder, just use mild curry powder or less of the hot stuff. Speaking of hot stuff, we’re going to help you impress your dinner guests with kitchen trivia. Did you know that “oz,” the abbreviation for ounce, comes from onza, the Italian word for ounce?

2-3 Tbs. light olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 Tbs. curry powder (hot or mild, to taste)
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt, to taste
1 can (14-15 oz.) vegetable broth or bouillon
1 can (14-15 oz.) coconut milk
1/2 cup soy milk, unsweetened
One 10-oz. package Mori-Nu tofu, extra firm, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups cooked rice
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sauté onion and red pepper in olive oil for about 3 minutes. Add spices and sauté 30 seconds more. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, and soy milk. Reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes. Add cubed tofu pieces, stir gently, and simmer another 3 minutes.

Serve over cooked rice; garnish with cilantro. Makes 4-6 servings.

broccoli rice soup

. soups . ,

broccoli rice soup
This soup tastes creamy (without the cream).

2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup soymilk or coconut milk
1 tsp. dried basil
Pinch Hungarian paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large stewpot. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and rice. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is tender (about 20 minutes).

2. While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender (but not mushy).

3. Allow the rice mixture to cool a bit, and then ladle into a blender or the bowl of a food processor. Process the rice mixture with the broccoli florets. Return the soup to the stewpot and stir in milk and spices. Heat through and serve. Serves 4.

spanish rice

. Europe, Mexico/Central America, sides . ,

Enjoy this low-fat version of an old favorite.

1 Tbs. canola oil
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced or diced
1/2 cup tomato, diced
1 cup vegetable broth (or vegetarian chicken-flavor broth)
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. Heat the canola oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add uncooked rice and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is golden (about 4 minutes). Add the onion and garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato.

2. Add the stock and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice absorbs the liquid (about 15 minutes). Serve with your favorite main entrée. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs. Serves 4.

spinach and peanut sauce over rice

. Africa, entrees . , , ,

Zainab Ali and her friend submitted this Gambian recipe. Serve over rice or couscous or millet.

2 Tbs. olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
3/4 green bell pepper
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach (or fresh spinach)
2 vegetarian bouillon cubes
1/4 cup peanut butter
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Rice or couscous or millet
Optional: fried tofu

1. Heat olive oil in medium saucepan. Sauté onion, garlic, and green pepper in the oil until onion is translucent. Scoop out the vegetables and set aside. Add the tomato paste to the saucepan for the process called “burning the paste,” which means cooking the tomato paste until it bubbles and is thoroughly cooked.

2. Stir in the onions, peppers, garlic, and spinach. If you’re using frozen spinach, no additional liquid is needed. If you’re using fresh spinach, add 1/8 cup of water. Add the bouillon cubes. Sauté spinach until cooked.

3. Stir in the peanut butter. Add cayenne and salt to taste. Serve over rice or couscous or millet.

Optional fried tofu: Cut extra firm tofu into cubes. Place millet or corn meal in a bowl; stir in the tofu to lightly coat the cubes. Add approximately 3 Tbs. olive oil or canola oil to a medium skillet. Sauté the tofu until lightly brown; stir into the spinach mixture.

moroccan rice casserole

. Africa, sides . ,

Sue tried to come up with a recipe that would dress up plain old ordinary rice. She succeeded with this blend of exotic spices. You’ll love the yellow color from the turmeric.

3 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 cup rice
1 15-oz. can vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 cup broccoli florets
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook onion until slightly browned. Add rice and stir for a few minutes. Add remaining ingredients, stir, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

cuban black beans & rice

. Caribbean, sides . , , ,

Using dried beans is the most authentic way to prepare this dish, but to save time, we’ve substituted canned beans.

2-3 Tbs. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 large green pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
3 cups vegetable broth
2 14-oz. cans black beans
1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 tsp. raw sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. dry white wine

Sautè onion and green pepper in oil until onion is transparent, about 6-8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and stir for one minute. Add broth and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients except wine, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add wine and remove bay leaf. Serve over hot cooked rice.

better-than-chicken cacciatore

. entrees, Europe . , , , ,

Tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms in a savory oven-baked sauce are perfect on a chilly night. Serve with a green salad, some crusty peasant bread, and perhaps your favorite wine.

2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
8-oz. package fresh button mushrooms, sliced
1 16-oz. package of your favorite chicken substitute (defrosted if frozen)
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbs. tomato paste

rice or pasta

1. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Sauté onions for about 5 minutes. Add bell peppers; continue to sauté until onions and peppers are softened.

2. Add remaining ingredients to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

3. While cacciatore is simmering, preheat oven to 350°. Transfer cacciatore to an oven-safe baking dish and cover with a lid or foil. Bake until heated through and bubbly, about 40 minutes. Serve over rice or pasta.

almond tofu

. Asia, entrees . , , , , , ,

Cindy Gliebe of VeggieSensations provided us with this recipe. Serve over rice for an Asian sensation!

2 cups water
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 Tbs. peanut butter
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. fresh, peeled, grated ginger root
1 Tbs. sesame oil
1 lb. extra firm tofu, cut into cubes
6 cups mixed vegetables of your choice: broccoli, carrots, onions, celery, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, green peppers
1/2 cup sliced almonds

1. Using a wire whisk, mix first seven ingredients together. Set aside.

2. In saucepan over medium heat, heat sesame oil. Sautè tofu cubes until firm and brown. Set tofu aside to drain on paper towels.

3. In the same pan, sautè vegetables. When the vegetables are tender, add sliced almonds and sauce. Heat through and serve over rice.

gallo pinto

. breakfast, Mexico/Central America, sides . ,

This Costa Rican staple of rice and beans is usually eaten for breakfast, although it’s not unusual for people in this Central American country to eat this dish several times a day. Serve with some fresh, sliced papaya or mango or other tropical fruit.

3 Tbs. canola or olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked white rice
2 8-oz. cans black beans, undrained
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
5 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add garlic and sauté until golden.

2. Add remaining ingredients and cook until heated through, stirring well. Serve warm. Gallo Pinto is one of those dishes that seems to taste better the next day.

brown rice pilaf

. Asia, Middle East, sides . , , ,

Sue and I were curious as to where rice pilaf originated, and a quick Web search revealed a long, complex history for this dish. (The short answer: the Middle East and Central and South Asia.) Prepare our brown rice pilaf with pine nuts (and a creamy sauce) and think about how many people before you have enjoyed a similar dish throughout history.

2 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
1 cup brown rice
1 14-oz. can vegetable broth plus water to equal 2 cups
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is golden (about 5 minutes). Add rice and sautè for 1 minute.

2. Add broth, water, wine, mushrooms, thyme, and salt. Simmer until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 50-55 minutes). Check rice occasionally and add water if necessary.

3. Let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in pine nuts immediately before serving.

fiesta beans and rice

. Mexico/Central America, sides . , ,

fiesta_beans_rice
Be sure to use both red and green bell peppers for a colorful, festive side dish.

2 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked rice
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

1. In a large saucepan, sautè the onion and bell peppers until the onion is translucent. Add garlic, vegetable stock, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, and black beans. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Stir in rice and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and hot sauce (optional). Cook until heated through. Garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro if you like.

black bean & hominy enchiladas

. entrees, Mexico/Central America . , , , , , , ,

Look for hominy (also known as posole or pozole) in the Mexican foods section of your supermarket, or visit your local Latin American grocery. This recipe makes 24 enchiladas, enough for a party or leftovers for lunch.

2 Tbs. canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 cup frozen corn
1 small zucchini, cut into matchsticks
1 4-oz. can diced green chilies
1 15-oz. can black beans, drained
1 15-oz. can hominy, drained
1 cup cooked rice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper to taste

2 dozen fresh corn tortillas
3 15-oz. cans green or red enchilada sauce
Salsa
Vegan sour cream for topping (optional; we used the Tofutti brand)
Vegan cheese for topping (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease two 9″ x 13″ baking dishes (or equivalent) and set aside. Heat the canola oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes. Add the next 11 ingredients (corn through freshly ground pepper) and cook until heated through.

2. Empty two cans of enchilada sauce in a large bowl. Dip each corn tortilla in the sauce. Lay on a flat surface, and place about 1/3 cup of the bean/hominy mixture down the center. Roll up and place in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are used (or you run out of filling). Spoon any remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, as well as the contents of the third can.

3. Cover pans with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and top with vegan cheese if using. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until enchiladas are browned. Top with salsa and vegan sour cream. Serve with a salad or Spanish rice.

indonesian rice salad

. Asia, potluck food, salads, sides . , , , , , , ,

Sue worked hard this week to create the Asian-inspired dressing for this salad, a perfectly blended balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and tart flavors, with none overpowering the other. Her husband loves it.

dressing:
2/3 cup orange juice
3 Tbs. peanut oil
1 Tbs. sesame oil
3 Tbs. tamari
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 Tbs. dry white wine
1 tsp. sugar or agave nectar
1/4 tsp. garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of white pepper

salad:
2 cups cooked rice
Small bunch of green onions
1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
1/2 medium zucchini, julienne sliced
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup celery, diced
1/3 cup cashew halves
1 8 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced
1/3 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1. Place dressing ingredients into small mixing bowl and mix well with wire whisk.

2. Slice green onion bunch in half, and discard dark green half. Chop onions and place in large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and set aside.

3. Pour dressing over salad ingredients, mix well, and refrigerate.

tomato and coconut milk rice

. Asia, sides . , ,

Michelle, an excellent vegan cook, submitted this recipe. She’s busy introducing Missourians to exotic vegan dishes via vegetarian cooking demos. Thanks, Michelle!

2 Tbs. peanut oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small hot pepper, such as habanera, seeded and chopped (you may want to wear gloves)
1 cup arborio rice
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp. sea salt
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and pepper until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the grains are evenly coated with oil, about 3 minutes. Add the coconut milk, tomatoes, and salt and bring to a simmer.

2. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Add more water or coconut milk and increase cooking time by a few minutes if the rice is not quite tender.

3. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crushed pepper. Cover and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

lemon ginger stir fry

. Asia, entrees . , ,

This is not your ordinary stir fry, but don’t let the exotic flavor fool you: It’s simple enough to serve on a weeknight.

2 Tbs. canola oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
2 Tbs. fresh ginger, minced
1 Tbs. sesame oil
1 Tbs. grated lemon rind
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 Tbs. agave nectar
3 Tbs. tamari
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
3 Tbs. water
3 tsp. cornstarch
2 cups zucchini, halved and sliced
1 12-oz. package of your favorite frozen stir fry veggies

Jasmine or basmati rice

1. Heat canola oil in medium saucepan. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine next nine ingredients (ginger through cornstarch) in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. Add zucchini and frozen stir-fry veggies to saucepan. Cook for 2 minutes. Add stir fry sauce and cook for about 4 minutes. Serve with jasmine or basmati rice.