Texmati Rice Salad Food

HARVEST TURKEY, CRANBERRY AND BROWN RICE SALAD

Steps:

• TO PREPARE DRESSING Place orange juice, vinegar and tarragon in small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, watching carefully, until mixture is reduced to half, about 6 tablespoons.
• Pour into bowl. Whisk in garlic, salt, pepper and oil until blended. Set aside.
• TO PREPARE SALAD Melt butter in heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add rice; stir until all grains are coated well.
• Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Remove from heat; let cool. Toss rice with dressing.
• Add turkey, cranberries, pecans, green onions, grapes, 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon and orange zest. Taste and season salad with salt, pepper and additional tarragon, if desired.
• (Salad can be prepared 1 to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.)
• TO SERVE Arrange border of lettuce leaves on serving plate if you wish. Mound salad on top. Garnish with chopped tarragon and border of orange slices, if desired.
• Note: Texmati rice, a long-grain American basmati rice, works well in this recipe. Cook it as you would the brown rice, 20 to 25 minutes, and then remove from heat and keep covered 10 minutes.

EASY NO-FAIL PERFECT FLUFFY BASMATI - TEXMATI RICE

Steps:

• If not using the Texmati brand, then rinse rice, in colander under cold running water, until the water runs clear.
• In non-stick pot, place rice and water together.
• Let soak at least 30 minutes.
• Bring to a boil and then turn heat to lowest level.
• Cover pot with tight-fitting foil.
• Cook for 30 minutes.
• Turn off heat and let set for at least 20 minutes.
• Take off foil and enjoy.

BROWN RICE, TOMATO AND BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 2 1/4 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 40 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl; fluff with fork and cool.
• Whisk vinegar and sugar in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over rice. Add tomatoes and basil and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.)