Rice is one of the most versatile foods on the market today. From wild rice, to whole grain varieties, each type of rice can add interest and flavor to your meal, without a lot of effort or expense. While rice was once thought of as primarily a dish to compliment Chinese and Asian Cuisine, today rice can be used to accent the flavor of almost any variety of Ethnic dish. From Spanish rice, to Cajun Style "Red Beans and Rice", follow these simple steps to create a variety of rice side dishes which will be sure to please everyone at your table.
Instructions
Prepare Tasty Rice Side Dishes
1. Create super Spanish rice. Start with any variety of long grain rice. Brown the rice prior to cooking, in a small amount of olive oil. Replace the liquid, which you would normally use to cook the rice, with tomato juice. Add diced onion, green and red bell pepper, and chopped or diced tomato. Season the rice with cumin, garlic, a touch of oregano and ground red pepper, only after the cooking liquid has been absorbed. If you prefer additional spice, diced jalepeno peppers, and/or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the cooked rice as well.
2. Accent your favorite Italian dinner with Risotto. In order to make Risotto you must start with a short or semi-round rice, preferably Arborio, or Carnaroli. These rices are not difficult to find. Using them will result in the most authentic and palatable version of risotto that you can create at home. Saute 2 and 1/2 cups of the rice in olive oil, until the grains become translucent. Slowly add to the pan 3 cups dry red wine, one cup at a time. The wine should evaporate between each addition. Next add 4 cups simmering beef or vegetable broth and continue cooking until liquid is absorbed. Stir in 2 cups low fat parmesian cheese. Traditional risotto recipes also call for the addition of 1/4 cup diced, sauteed onion, if you prefer.
3. Whip up some wild rice with mushrooms, to compliment your best French or American cuisine. Start with your favorite brand of wild rice. Brown rice and saute mushrooms, together, in a bit of olive oil, using a large skillet. Substitute low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable broth for the amount of water directed on the package of rice. Cook without stirring until liquid is absorbed. Season with minced onion, parsley, and black pepper.
4. Spice up your Southern style dinner with a taste of Cajun Red Beans and Rice. Soak dried red kidney beans overnight, then drain and cook for several hours, until they become tender. You may also choose to use canned kidney beans for easier preperation. Saute 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, and a few stalks of celery in a bit of olive oil. Add 1 to 2 cloves chopped garlic and continue to saute until vegetables become tender. Add the vegetables to the cooked beans and season with a teaspoon of thyme. Traditional red beans and rice also include a generous amount of hot sauce, and the addition of red and black, ground pepper. Serve the bean mixture over hot, cooked white rice.
5. Fry up the rice, for an Oriental flare. Brown long grain white rice in a heavy skillet before adding cooking liquid. Cook the rice in low sodium beef or chicken broth until tender. Remove rice from skillet and set aside. To skillet add 1/4 cup peanut oil. Saute diced onion, celery, carrot, and a small clove of chopped garlic in the oil, adding rice one cup at a time, and cooking with the vegetables until browned.
Tags: rice with, wild rice, Beans Rice, become tender, beef chicken, bell pepper
