**Sweet Bell Pepper Rice: A Flavorful and Colorful Dish for Any Occasion**
Indulge in the delectable flavors of Sweet Bell Pepper Rice, a vibrant dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its medley of textures and colors. This versatile recipe offers three variations to suit your preferences, allowing you to explore a range of taste profiles. From the classic Sweet Bell Pepper Rice, bursting with the natural sweetness of bell peppers, to the tangy and aromatic Tomato Sweet Bell Pepper Rice, and the indulgent Cheesy Sweet Bell Pepper Rice, each variation promises a unique culinary experience. With its ease of preparation and customizable ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or delightful family meals.
SWEET PEPPER RICE
This tasty, colorful side dish is a lovely complement to many entrees. The peppers and rice make a nice texture, with a sprinkling of parsley for a gourmet touch. -Betty Nickeles, Tampa, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 674mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
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.
RICE WITH PEPPERS AND CORN
Steps:
- Heat butter in a saucepan and add onion, sweet pepper and saffron.
- Add rice, salt, pepper and broth and bring to boil. Cover and cook 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut and scrape kernels from ear of corn. There should be about 3/4 cup. Stir corn into the rice mixture and cover. Cook about 2 minutes longer and serve
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 253, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 503 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
RICE WITH SWEET PEPPERS AND HAM
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onion, peppers and ham and cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the rice and stir.
- Add the water, bay leaf, thyme, Tabasco, salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for exactly 17 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Add the butter and stir to fluff the rice
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 267, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 406 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and tools ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling during the cooking process.
- Choose the Right Peppers: For this recipe, it's best to use sweet bell peppers. These peppers are mild in flavor and have a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish.
- Cut the Peppers Evenly: When cutting the peppers, try to cut them into even-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
- Don't Overcook the Peppers: Bell peppers can easily become overcooked, so be careful not to cook them for too long. Overcooked peppers will become soft and mushy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme, can really brighten up the flavor of this dish. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use less, as they are more concentrated.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is cooked. The rice will be fluffy and the peppers will be tender and slightly crunchy.
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