Put some spice into your basic rice dish.
Jazz it up with by placing two Bay Leaves into the boiling water prior to adding your brown rice. The aroma and flavor will be a delightful side dish to any entree.
With today's chemicals and additives, it makes it difficult for those of us who wish for a healthy alternative to quick side dishes. With that said, if you have not mastered the fine art of boiling rice, try the simple alternatives. Such as boil bags, you can still add flavor and zest without the worry of under cooking or a sticky mess.
Depending on what types of rice, would equally depend on the spice or herb you will use.
Brown rice is absolutely fabulous with Bay Leaves. While a Jasmine white rice is to die for with a hint of citrus zest; lemon, orange.
A perfect simplistic rice dish to accompany your chicken or fish tacos, is basic white rice adding cilantro and lime zest and a touch of juice to the boiling water prior to introducing the rice.
Creativity is the key here.
Bay Browns, as I like to refer to this aromatic side dish.
This is such a simple step to turn a healthy yet bland rice into a delightful alternative to packaged options.
Basically start by measuring your water for the amount of rice you are going to prepare. Generally speaking your water will average 1 cup more than your rice measurement; 2 cups water to 1 cup rice and so on.
When you have decided on how much you will prepare, it's smooth sailing from that point on.
Simply place 2 Bay Leaves into your pot with your water. Bringing your water to a boil prior to pouring in your rice. Close the lid, reduce your heat to low-medium, cook for 20 - 40 minutes depending on the brand of your choice.
When rice is cooked, simply remove the Bay Leaves from the rice and serve.
How easy is that!
Our family will choose to add a tab of butter and a pinch of Kosher salt. Depending on your taste buds, it is all up to you.
~
Here is a wonderful addition to your fish or chicken tacos.
A simple "Plain Jane White Rice" accompanied by fresh Cilantro and limes, will have you saying Adios to store bought alternatives.
Before you begin, get out your cutting board, zester and knife.
Start by rolling your limes back and forth, this will allow the juice to flow when squeezing. Simply slice your lime in half and squeeze with your hand the juice into the pot of water. Using a zester or even a Parmesan grater you are going to add the zest of one lime to into the water.
Cutting off the stems of your fresh Cilantro, bunch them together and chop away. When your water comes to a boil, it will be time to add the Cilantro and the rice.
Reduce to a simmer over low-medium for an average of 20 minutes, depending on the brand of rice you are using.
This will not only fill your kitchen with a bouquet of Fresh Mex, it will fill the tummies of your loved ones.
~
Asian cuisine is a delight to many pallets. With it's wonderful spices and aromas, a majority of dishes from the Orient are prepared in a health conscious manner.
Jasmine rice is a starchy, sticky and most of all filling rice. Perfect for a tasty snack with a touch of soy sauce.
The cooking times with Jasmine rice are quite faster than average white rice. So this is a rice to watch to make sure it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Select two to three naval oranges, you will be using the zest and also the juice from your oranges.
Prepare by zesting your oranges, then slicing them in half.
Grab a 2 to 4 quart saucepan or pot, place the appropriate amount of water into the pot. Now this will vary depending on the brands you select to purchase. Usually most will call for 1 cup water to 2 cups of rice, be sure to read the package as for Jasmine rice cooking times and measurements change depending on brands.
Add the orange zest and squeeze the juice from the oranges into the water.
Bring to a boil.
Add Jasmine rice to the pot, close lid and set your timer.
Now this can simply be a tasty side dish or even a snack. Or if you'd like you can turn it into a meal, by adding a few additional ingredients.
Use grilled or baked chicken breast or thighs, to make a rice bowl. Top with a few Mandarin oranges and green onion for a complete low calorie meal.
To soy or not to soy is the question...It is purely up to you!
You'll Need:
Brown Rice
Plain Jane White Rice
Jasmine Rice
CilantroBay Leaves
CilantroBay Leaves
LimeOranges
2-4 quart Cooking Pot or Saucepan
2-4 quart Cooking Pot or Saucepan
Lemon Zester or Parmesan GraterCutting Board
In whatever meal you are preparing, rice is always a great option for a side dish.
You don't need to buy costly prepackaged rice mixes to achieve a delightful and flavorful side dish.
Not to mention the preservatives and additives, organic and fresh is always the best option.
Don't be afraid of your rice, spice it up anyway you like.
Adding fresh herbs and spices are a sure fire way to please the pallet.
Get creative, think outside the box!
Most of all enjoy.
