Anything Rice Food

MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350.
• Process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess.
• Remove ribs and seeds from 2 jalapenos and discard. Mince flesh and set aside. Mince remaining jalapeno. Set aside.
• Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes.Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. IF YOU OMIT THIS STEP YOUR RICE WILL NOT BE DRY AND FLUFFY.
• Heat oil in heavy bottomed ovensafe 12 inch straight sided sautee pan or Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over low-medium heat about 2 minutes. (The recipe is very specific about this but I used a 10 inch dutch oven and it worked out fine.) Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn't get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter.
• Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and 2 minced jalapenos and cook , stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Stir in broth, pureed mixture,tomato paste, and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.
• Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes.Stir well after 15 minutes.
• Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.
• Edited to add 6-15-05: If you can't get good fresh tomatoes you are better off using canned tomatoes. Don't use those awful hard and underipe tomatoes that are at most supermarket chains. Just be sure that the processed tomatoes and the one onion equals 2 cups. One the other hand- if you find that after processing your tomatoes and onions that you have less than 2 cups- simply add enough bottled salsa to make up the difference.
• Edited 8-21-06: Do not skip any of the steps. It may seem stupid- but rinsing the rice to remove the starch is very important if you want fluffy rice. It will only take two minutes of your time but it makes the difference.
• Edited 8-15-08: Leftovers are just as delicious the next day so this is a perfect dish to make ahead time for potlucks. This rice also freezes well. For Freezing Ahead: Cool, portion and freeze in a ziploc bag. To reheat from frozen: Place in a pyrex dish and warm in the microwave, stirring every 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• You'll love this rice! Money back guarantee.

MY VERY BEST ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING RICE

Steps:

• Mix the pinch of saffron into the chicken broth.
• Cook the rice using the chicken broth mixture. **I make the rice in my rice cooker which calls for 1 1/4 cup liquid, if you are making it on the stove then follow the directions on the package of rice for the amount of liquid and if you have a rice cooker be sure to check your own manual for the amount of liquid as they are all different.**.
• While the rice is cooking sauté the onions in a little oil, on low to med. heat, stirring them frequently. I like to sauté them for awhile (like 20 minutes), so they get caramelized.
• Turn the onions off when they are done to your liking.
• When the rice is done add another tablespoon or so of olive to the onions turn the heat up a bit and add the cooked rice.
• Stir fry the rice for about 5 minutes and then add the peas and sauté for another 5 minutes or so. I like to really stir fry the rice, so I use the maximum amount of oil. With the heat on med-high I let it sit so some of the rice gets a little crispy, not burned, but crispy on the bottom. - I hope that makes sense!
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Now, some variations depending on my mood --.
• I add diced bell pepper with the onions.
• Or add garlic or fresh sliced mushrooms to the onions 5 or so minutes into their sautéing.
• I also add some toasted slivered almonds occasionally.
• And, sometimes I add a handful of fresh parmesan to the finished warm rice, it's really good!
• You can pretty much do as you please with this; it's so easy and always so good.

ANYTHING RICE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry 3 minutes. Add the eggs and scramble. Put in the rice and your favorite meat, stir-fry, and the aroma will get your taste buds hungry. Serve immediately for breakfast, dinner, or supper.