Lemon Scented Colored Rice Food

LEMON RICE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, taking care not to let them color, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil. Add 3 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork to separate the grains. Let sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add the lemon juice and mint to the rice and toss to distribute evenly.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped mint.

LEMON-SCENTED COLORED RICE

Steps:

• Measure 1 Tbsp of vinegar into zip lock
• Mix in yellow food coloring into the vinegar
• Measure 3 cups of white rice and add into the ziplock bag
• Close ziplock and shake, shake, shake to mix well.
• Add in 1 Tablespoon of lemon extract
• Cover a tray with aluminum foil
• Spread colored rice into aluminum foil and allow for it to dry
• Place on sensory bin for a fine motor skills activity

LEMON-CUMIN RICE

Steps:

• Soak 1 1/2 cups basmati rice in cold water, 15 minutes; drain. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; cook 30 seconds. Add 1 chopped onion and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups water, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, the rice and 3 strips lemon zest. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat, 15 minutes. Let stand off the heat, 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, and lemon juice to taste.

LEMON-SCENTED SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and saffron and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add rice and stir to coat. Add stock and lemon juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, stir and cover. Let simmer until creamy and tender, stirring vigorously every 10 minutes, 20 to 25 minutes. Add lemon peel and chives. Season with salt and pepper. Stir vigorously until well combined.

LEMON SCENTED RICE WITH PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Wash the rice (and soak, if desired) as described on package, if needed.
• Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, raisins, and lemon peel. When water boils again, reduce heat to medium-low, cover saucepan, and simmer 20 minutes (45 minutes for brown rice), until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let stand covered, 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, spoon into a serving bowl, and sprinkle with pistachios.