Daily Cooking Recipes Let Me Make Cooking Easy

March 26, 2014

Simple Curried Pineapple Rice

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Cooking Recipes,Rice — Tags: , , , , — Chef @ 8:00 am
Simple Curried Pineapple Rice Photo

Simple Curried Pineapple Rice

Florence
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Course Side
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cup diced pineapple

Instructions
 

  • Put broth and rice in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large skillet heat butter over medium-low heat, then add onion, curry powder, garlic powder, and diced pineapple and cook together just until onion are tender.
  • Add the cooked rice to the skillet over low heat, stir and allow to heat until rice is mixed with all ingredients and warm.
  • Server Immediately while still hot.

 

March 25, 2014

Tuna Rice And Veggie Bake

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Rice,Seafood — Tags: , , , , — Chef @ 8:00 am
Tuna Rice And Veggie Bake Photo

Tuna Rice And Veggie Bake

Florence
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup diced green pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill
  • 1 can 12 oz white tuna in water, drained
  • 2 Tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F
  • Lightly Grease 2 quart baking dish.
  • Mix together vegetables, mayonnaise, sour cream, cooked rice, green pepper, onion and dried dill.
  • Mix in Tuna.
  • Place in Greased baking dish.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter, add the bread crumbs and heat just until combined, then spoon on top of the tuna mixture in baking dish.
  • Bake (uncovered) in oven for 30 minutes or until hot and lightly browned on top and around the edges.

March 24, 2014

Viva Verde Roasted Pepper Rice Pot

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Rice,Vegetarian — Tags: , , , , , , , — Chef @ 8:00 am

 

Viva Verde Roasted Pepper Rice Pot Photo

Viva Verde Roasted Pepper Rice Pot

Florence
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 4 cups chicken stock divided
  • 1 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice or brown rice

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 400°F
  • Lightly coat whole bell peppers with olive oil then place on a baking sheet.
  • Roast until softened and slightly charred, then remove from oven.
  • Place in a heat resistant bowl and cover with plastic wrap and let sit to sweat off the skins.
  • Remove and discard the skins, stems, seeds, and membranes.
  • Place the cleaned peppers in a blender or food processor with 2 cups of the chicken stock and pulse until blended well.
  • Add in the parsley, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper a little at a time, pulsing in between until the mixture is a smooth puree consistency.
  • Set aside.
  • In a big pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and rice, stirring to coat the rice well with the oil; continue stirring the rice in the oil for about 2 minutes until warmed through, then add the pureed green pepper mixture to the rice in the pot, turn heat down to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Get out a small saucepan and heat the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock until just boiling, then pour the hot chicken stock into the big pot with rice and stir gently to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately turn heat to very low, cover the pot and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

March 22, 2014

Andouille Cajun Rice Casserole

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Main Dishes,Rice — Tags: , , , , — Chef @ 8:00 am

 

Andouille Cajun Rice Casserole Photo

Andouille Cajun Rice Casserole

Florence
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb Andouille sausage
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire if you are allergic to fish do not put this in
  • 1/2 cup tomato puree
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Instructions
 

  • Put sausage on broiler pan and broil just until slightly crisp, turning to cook evenly. Remove and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Use 2 quart Casserole Dish.
  • Put remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Cut andouille sausage into 1/2 inch circles, then add to the other ingredients and toss to combine.
  • Turn mixture into a casserole dish, cover, then put in preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly hot.
  • Remove and let stand for 5 minutes before uncovering to serve.

 

March 21, 2014

Apple Rice And Lentil Skillet

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Rice — Tags: , , , , , — Chef @ 8:00 am

 

Apple Rice And Lentil Skillet

Florence
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup uncooked lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup fresh butter
  • 2 carrots coarse grated
  • 2 onions finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 6 teaspoon flour
  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • Put lentils in saucepan with the 4 cups water, bring to a boil, turn heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Drain excess water; set aside.
  • In large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. When melted, add the carrots and onions and cook just until vegetables are slightly softened, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
  • Add the flour, applesauce, curry powder, and 2 cups water to the skillet, stir, turn heat to low, cover skillet and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, cooked lentils and cooked rice, stir gently, then serve immediately.

 

March 20, 2014

Women And Rice – The Perfect Health Partners

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Cooking Recipes — Tags: , , , , , , — Chef @ 2:07 pm

We all know women and men are different creatures; some may even argue different species. We’ll leave that debate for another time and place. But, there is ample evidence that when it comes to nutritional makeup, the difference is highly defined.
A woman’s need for specific nutrients to fight diseases is now well documented thanks to many in-depth studies. The focus has narrowed to three nutrients that have been shown to greatly influence a woman’s health. These three nutrients are folic acid, iron, and fiber. Let’s take a look at the concerns with these nutritional elements.

Folic Acid
It is best to begin at the beginning – the beginning of life, that is. Since the US Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) mandatory folic acid fortification program went into effect in 1998, there has been a significant drop in NTD (neural tube birth defects) as well as the risk of early miscarriage due to folic acid deficiency.
However, even with the folic acid enriched rice, not even half of all women of childbearing age are consuming the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. Studies also show that even fewer women over 65 are consuming enough folic acid in their diet. The research indicates one reason recently may be the increasing number of women who are following a ‘low carb’ diet, effectively eliminating one very viable source of folic acid – rice.
Aside from pregnancy and the developing fetus, folic acid plays a role in the lifetime of a woman. Studies recently indicate that folic acid helps decrease the risk of stroke in women. Heart disease caused by high levels of homocysteine may also be helped by the addition of folic acid, which lowers blood homocystein levels. Recent research has also found a link between folic acid and the prevention of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Iron
As many as one in five women of all ages, and half of all pregnant women in the US suffer from an iron deficiency. When the body does not get enough iron, it can not produce enough red blood cells. Hemoglobin is needed in ample supply for the pregnant woman to feed and support the fetus as it develops.
In women of all ages, a shortage of iron could cause anemia. It is a misconception that only women of childbearing age may suffer from an iron shortage. Women in every age group need to consume enough iron to produce red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia may include general weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, inability to concentrate, and even shortness of breath.

Fiber
We know fiber is necessary for proper digestion, which helps reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. Now we also know that fiber is crucial for proper weight control.
People who eat a diet rich in whole grains (fiber) tend to have a lower BMI (body mass index) than people who eliminate grains from their diet. Having a lower BMI is not just about our figures; it’s about our health. A higher BMI has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Women tend to have a more difficult time than men consuming enough fiber. One reason may be that women are more likely to follow diets that eliminate many foods that are believed to be high in carbohydrates. When examining a low carb diet, one must remember that we need complex carbohydrates for a healthy diet. Eliminating ALL carbs is not good for us, nor will it result in lasting benefits. Whole grains are complex carbs, or ‘good’ carbs, and have a moderate glycemic index which may help control food cravings and sugar spikes.
So, what food can women eat to meet these three important nutritional essentials? The answer is simple:

Rice
A diet that includes plenty of enriched white rice along with brown rice provides these three building blocks that can otherwise be missing from a woman’s diet. Just a few servings a day of white and brown rice will meet the recommended allowance for folic acid, iron, and fiber. Rice is low in calories, has no fat, and is easily cooked and paired with a variety of healthy ingredients to suit every taste.
Rice is a complex carbohydrate so it fits into even a low-carb diet plan. There are many varieties of rice from which to choose, so you will never get tired of finding new recipes to make for yourself or your family.
Yes, women and men are different. But who knew even our nutritional needs were something to consider? Now that we know, I think it’s time we took our health seriously. Fill your pantry with the ‘superfood’ specially designed just for women – RICE!

 

March 14, 2014

Three Easy Rice Recipes Your Kids Will Love

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Cooking Recipes — Tags: , , , , , , — Chef @ 12:00 pm

 

Creating meals that kids will eat without complaint can be a difficult, especially when trying to include healthy foods.   I usually try to sneak squash, carrots and other vegetables in to rice dishes.
Disguising nutritious foods inside of foods you know your kids will eat is one way to get your kids to at least ingest some vitamins and minerals. But, wouldn’t it be nice to actually introduce your kids to nutrition rather than trick them into eating it?
One ‘Superfood’ your kids probably already like is rice. This nutrient-rich food has no doubt been on your family’s table, and your child’s highchair tray, since he or she could pick up a kernel or two and aim for their mouth.
But, I suspect that as your kids got older, they lost interest in that fluffy white pile of rice on their plate. Taste buds change and mature and now they want something a bit more appealing, and can you blame them? When was the last time you ate a pile of plain white or brown rice? It doesn’t exactly tempt the palate.
Luckily, for you and your kids, there are plenty of easy, fun, and tasty ways to re-introduce your family to the wonders of rice. And, you won’t even have to hide the rice inside another food to get your kids to eat it! Here are a few fun and easy rice ideas to try on your family.

Chicken Pineapple Kabobs Over Rice
You’ll need chicken meat cut into small cubes, pineapple chunks, either fresh or canned in natural juices, a can of natural pineapple juice if you wish, and other vegetables your child may like, such as grape tomatoes. You’ll also need cooked brown or enriched white rice and skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes. The ‘recipe’ is simple. Cook the rice according to package directions, but substitute at least some of the water with pineapple juice.
Preheat your broiler and lightly oil your broiler pan. Alternate the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables on skewers, then brush the kabobs lightly with good olive oil. Broil just until chicken is cooked through, turning at least once during cooking time. Serve the kabobs over a plate of cooked rice. This looks so grown up and tastes super delicious with the sweet pineapple.

Layered Arroz Con Queso With Beans
This dish is made by laying smashed pinto beans (or refried beans) in the bottom of a shallow casserole dish, then topping with a layer of cooked brown or white rice, and then spreading a layer of low fat cottage cheese over, and finally sprinkling a layer of shredded low fat Cheddar cheese or a mixture of cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish and put in the oven just until mixture is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and uncover the dish, then let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish is a cross between mac and cheese and nachos. What’s not to love?

Rice Crust Pizza Time
For this recipe you’ll just be making a pizza crust out of rice, then topping it with whatever your kids like, within reason, of course. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked rice and 1 egg for a 10 inch pizza crust. Cook brown rice or white rice, or a combination. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
When rice is cooled, mix a whole egg into the rice, smashing it together with a fork to combine well. Add seasonings if you wish, like oregano and salt. Form the smashed rice into a ball on a work surface and cover it with plastic wrap, then use your hands to press the rice mixture into a flat circle, pizza crust style. Place the crust on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees until browned nicely, about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool down. While it cools, prepare whatever ingredients you want to top the pizza crust with. Add your toppings and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until all the toppings are nice and hot and any cheese you added has melted. Then remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy.
Most kids started out loving their little piles of rice on their highchair tray. It was fun to play with and even a few kernels found their way to the tummy. Finding super nutritious foods to get your kids to eat just got easier now that you have these simple ways to re-introduce rice into your family’s diet. Give these dishes a try and then see if your kids can come up with a few ideas of their own!

March 2, 2014

Choose Rice For Your Gluten Free Diet Needs

Filed under: Budget Friendly Rice Dishes,Cooking Recipes — Tags: , , , , , , , — Chef @ 10:00 am

 

In the last decade, we have become increasing aware of a condition called ‘gluten sensitivity.’ An organization called the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has helped in spreading the word to the general public. Many consumers were unaware of this condition until they themselves, or someone they love, went through the arduous process of diagnosis.
Now, many consumers have found that a gluten-free diet is either essential to their health, or at least beneficial. According to the NFCA an estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, but this number is very likely much higher since a true diagnosis is still rare. Even without a diagnosis of celiac disease, it is estimated that over 20 million people are gluten sensitive to some degree.
But, let’s back up a little and start with a basic question; exactly what is gluten?
Gluten is the protein that forms the ‘glue’ which holds together foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies, and is most often found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, gluten is also found in surprising places such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and some candies. Think about any foods which need to be emulsified, or held together, and you quite likely could find gluten. As you can see, for those who are sensitive or allergic to gluten, there are many foods to avoid.
Here is where we find hope. Yes, there is a grain that is gluten-free and the least allergic of all grains. It is a grain that is easy to cook, versatile enough to use in many recipes, is high in dietary fiber, nutrient dense, fat free, and packed with delicious goodness. That grain is rice.
Brown rice and enriched white rice can be an essential food in every pantry – even, and especially, for those with gluten sensitivity. Instead of feeling denied, people who need to avoid gluten can feast on a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet, made with rice and rice products. However, do be aware that when you buy rice products, check the label. If the product doesn’t say ‘gluten-free’ then the manufacturer has added ingredients for binding or flavoring that may contain gluten.
With that said, buying plain brown or white rice is always a good choice. There is no need to buy prepackaged rice dishes when it’s so easy to cook up a batch of rice and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick gluten-free meal. Now you can grab cooked rice cold out of the refrigerator and toss it together with a mixture of vegetables for a fresh salad. Or stuff some green or red bell peppers with a rice mixture and enjoy a hot meal. You can even create a sweet and creamy rice pudding with fruit and berries for a late night snack or dessert.
Gluten-free living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice that oh-so-yummy-full-tummy feeling when a meal truly satisfies. That lovely feeling of satisfaction comes from the complex carbs that whole grains provide. Thankfully for those sensitive to gluten, and for all of us, rice provides those ‘good carbs’ that we need, all bundled into a delicious, nutritious, gluten-free superfood!
Whether you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or you suspect you are gluten sensitive, try adding gluten-free rice to your diet. You’ll not only enjoy a new, wide range of rice dishes, but all the nutritious goodness that goes along with them!

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