Long Grain White Rice With Corn Peppers And Onions Food

PERFECT LONG-GRAIN WHITE RICE

Steps:

• Combine the rice, salt and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

LONG GRAIN WHITE RICE WITH CORN, PEPPERS AND ONIONS

Steps:

• If using fresh corn: After removing the husks and silk, cut the kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife (being careful not to cut into the cob itself). Place the kernels into a bowl and using the knife, scrape up and down the shaft of the cob (over the bowl of corn) extracting the natural "corn cream". If using canned or frozen corn, simply begin with step #2.
• To saute the vegetables: Melt the butter (or heat the oil) in a 2 1/2 quart heavy bottomed sauce pot (one that comes with a tight fitting lid). When hot, add the onions and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add the green pepper and saute until all the vegetables are softened and very fragrant, about 5 minutes over meduimlow heat.
• To toast the rice: If using an "aromatic" rice, rinse it through a sieve (medium mesh) and drain well (see note). Add the rice and cook over medium heat, stirring to coat the rice with the butter and vegetables. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the rice is dry and beginning to turn golden.
• To simmer (see note): Add the hot broth and return to a boil. Stir in the corn (whether fresh, drained canned or frozen), and bring back to a boil. Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. Simmer over a low flame for exactly 17 minutes without lifting the lid.
• To "settle" and serve: Uncover and add a good amount of fresh pepper and some salt to taste. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of additional butter or margarine. Fluff with a fork, and cover the pot. Allow the rice to settle for 3 to 5 minutes to absorb any excess moisture. Serve hot.
• Time Management Tips:
• 1) For extra ease of preparation when assembling, all listed fresh vegetables can be chopped as much as one day ahead and kept refrigerated in separate (well covered) bowls.
• 2) The stock can be made months ahead and kept frozen in securely covered, heavy freezer containers.
• "Variation" Tips:
• 1) Changing the type of stock can give your rice dish a totally different taste and (at times) color. Choose your stock according to your menu and don't be afraid to mix different types of stock,vegetables (and herbs) to create an even more complex flavor. Also, always thaw more stock than you'll need so you can boil it down until the volume is reduced (which will concentrate the flavor).
• Some winning combinations of stock: Beef and chicken, chicken and shrimp, veal and beef, veal and chicken or chicken and fish.
• Tips From a Teacher:
• The most renown type of aromatic rice is Basmati rice which (once grown only in Pakistan and India), is now also grown here in the United States. This type of rice is special (although pricey) not only for it's nutty, butterlike and seductive flavor, but during cooking, the grains swell much more in length than in width, making the feel of the cooked rice more distinctive in the mouth. Basmati rice is also lower in starch which encourages the grains to remain separate.
• Jasmine rice, another long grain white rice once grown exclusively in Thailand, is now also grown here and the flavor is similar to Basmati although the texture is somewhat softer when cooked. The other readilyavailable types of aromatic rice are grown here and come in both white, tan and brown varieties. All of the new domestic breeds of rice are an attempt to duplicate the flavor and aroma of Basmati, at a more affordable price. They can be identified as Texmati, Wehani and Popcorn rice (also called Wild Pecan rice). These are all delicious and lend their own unique characteristics to the finished dish.

CHEESY RICE & CORN CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Mix cream cheese spread and egg in large bowl until blended. Stir in rice, corn, 3/4 cup shredded cheese and cilantro.
• Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining shredded cheese.
• Bake 20 to 25 min. or until is casserole is heated through and shredded cheese is melted.

BELL PEPPER AND RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and sauté until tender, about 12 minutes. Add rice, cumin and chili powder; stir 1 minute. Add broth and bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Cover pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until rice si tender and broth is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

SWEET PEPPER RICE

Steps:

• In a small skillet or saucepan, saute the rice and garlic in butter until rice is browned. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add the peppers, oregano, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with parsley.

RICE WITH ONIONS, GARLIC AND HERBS

Steps:

• Combine the first 4 ingredients in a food processor and puree.
• Put the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the rice, stirring for a few minutes.
• Stir in all but 1 tablespoon of the onion mixture, add the salt and pepper, and cook for a couple minutes stirring.
• Add the stock and bring to a boil.
• Cover and turn heat to medium/low cooking until liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in the reserved tablespoon of the onion mixture and serve.

CORN RICE MEDLEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil; add rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1- minutes. , Meanwhile, in a small skillet, saute the red pepper and green onion in oil until tender. Stir into rice. Add the corn. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

SWEET BELL PEPPER RICE

Steps:

• Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion in the hot oil until tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook and stir until onion is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir green bell pepper and red bell pepper into onion mixture; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
• Pour wine into vegetable mixture and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer until liquid is reduced, about 5 minutes. Stir rice into vegetables. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

BAKED CORN AND RICE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook the rice in boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes, drain and set aside until needed.
• Saute the onions in butter until soft then add the sweet peppers, mushrooms and drained corn, jalapeno peppers, salt and pepper, cooking on low for 5 minutes.
• Mix the cooked rice, vegetables, grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and sour cream together, blend well.
• Pour into a greased 8 x 14 casserole dish and sprinkle with the parmesan cheese bake for 1 hour.