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Old 11-16-2010, 11:50 PM   #8 (permalink)
gautam
 
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Default Re: Need good rice recipe

If you could narrow your preference a little,that would be a bit more helpful,as in, what does family like, hate [onion, garlic, spices, that would be impt. to know!!],what you have ready at hand [economize]. because rice can be made to fit many a Procrustean bed, provide you provide a few more specs!!

Do you have/like white or brownrice, long or short grain?
So I ask you kind friend, WHAT RICE?

Do you mean a recipe where rice is cooked with a meat/fish, or what exactly is your preference?

And, how large is this family we are cooking for, so that we can put QUANTITIES in our recipes? Are there small children? Then we shan't be too adventurous? Inquiring minds NEED to know!

Brown rice: add modest amount of olive or other oil in heavy bottom pan, when fairly hot add 2 cups long grain brown rice. Lundberg's is great if the price is right. Toss in some chopped onion or leek if you like. Stir until the rice looks chalky. Add 2 cups water, stir well,cover and cook on low, 15 min, until all grains expanded. Stir WITH FORK, and add ONE cup water, cover tight, bring up steam, and simmer on low another 15-20 min. See if done. If not, stir, add 1/2c hot water, steam covered.

Do you have hulled orange lentils? Lens culinaris? wash thoroughly, cover with water, Corning covered 3-4 qt.casserole, microwave 22 min, check for total velvety softness, or add water, zap more. Too much water = huge mess, too little = charring, cakey; so be wary.

In hot oil, add Nigella seed if you have, add minced onion, sweat it, then chopped garlic, cook briefly, add some cumin powder, half bay leaf, some chopped Roma tomato, some chopped mild green chiles if you wish, then the cooked lentils. Let all come to simmer. Sprinkle with cilantro paprika if you wish.

[ you can do the same with whole lentils, BTW, or canned white pea beans.]

Serve with rice, slices of avocado & lime, Cabot sharp cheddar, green salad.

To this you may add a winter stew thus, with an Indian flavor:

In olive or other oil:

add minced onion, followed by minced garlic & root ginger, the 1/2 bay leaf, and fresh ground [I keep a dedicated $10 coffee grinder for spices only] coriander seed, cumin seed, some peppercorn, a few cloves, a few green cardamom, a piece of cinnamon, some turmeric and paprika, some jalapeno chopped. Stir, do not scorch, add chopped tomatoes. Then add chunks of wintry veg.: yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, kohl rabi or beet or rutabaga,acorn squash with skin on, collard or kale stalks, big chunks of cauliflower stems minus florets, daikon, etc. Add water in CAREFUL 1 cup increments. DON"T drown in gravy.Cook covered until just tender. Stir in spoons of ONE: almond, cashew or peanut butter at the very end to create a balanced mouthfeel but don't drown any flavors. Balance sugar, salt, serve with above rice, lentils & avocado, lime.
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