Holiday Rice Stuffing Food

RICE STUFFING

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in rice, cumin, and curry powder, and cook, stirring frequently, until rice is lightly browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth, bay leaf, and salt, and bring to boil.
• Cover, reduce heat, and cook until rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 to 17 minutes. Remove bay leaf and fluff with a fork. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Garnish with green onions.

STICKY RICE STUFFING WITH CHINESE SAUSAGE AND SHIITAKES

Steps:

• Rinse the rice in a colander, and then transfer to a medium bowl. Cover with 1 inch of water and let soak at room temperature overnight. Drain thoroughly.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside, reserving skillet.
• Return skillet to medium heat and add oil. When oil is hot, add the shallots and mushrooms and cook, stirring, until the shallots are golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sausage and cook until the sausages curl slightly, 1 minute more. Add the sherry, bring to a boil, and cook until syrupy, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, chestnuts, rice, and toasted pine nuts and toss until the rice kernels are evenly coated. Stir in the broth or water and season with salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the rice is cooked, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Garnish rice "stuffing" with sliced scallions before serving.