For a quick and easy side dish that goes well with just about any simply prepared meat, I offer up this recipe I prepared the other evening to serve with Pan Seared Halibut (recipe on this site). I had no idea if the fried rice would be a good accompaniment, but as it turned out, it was a great addition to the meal. And the rice had been ever so easy to prepare. And the ingredients were all pantry or refrigerator staples. (At least in our home fresh garlic, fresh ginger, and green onions are required by house rule to always be on hand!) Anyway, I basically made up this recipe because it included only the ingredients I did have on hand. (See how that works!)
So, I’m going to make this post short in honor of the limited ingredients needed to prepare this rice dish. And because I have other requirements for my time today. (Like finishing the book, I started yesterday.) And because I have been exceedingly verbose in my last few postings. And I felt you all deserved a break.
So, have a nice day, be kind to your family and friends, and keep up the hard work of putting delicious and nutritious food on your table.
And just because I love this picture of our home nestled under a rainbow, I posted it for you to see too.
Peace and love to all.
¾ c. brown basmati rice, washed
1½ c. water
1 tsp. veggie base (I use Better Than Bouillon Vegetable base)
2 T. veggie oil, divided
4 lg. eggs, beaten
1 sm. garlic clove, finely minced
1 tsp. finely minced fresh ginger
3 T. soy sauce or Tamari
1½ tsp. toasted sesame oil
2 green onions, finely chopped
¼ c. toasted slivered almonds
Step 1
Combine the rice, water, and veggie base together. Cook however you normally cook rice. (I use a rice cooker.) Please note: The rice must be made ahead and allowed to cool completely before being used in this recipe. Leftover rice is the best.)
Also, before adding the cold rice, break it up so there are no clumps.
Step 2 (just before you are ready to serve)
Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok.
Pour in the beaten eggs. Quickly stir-fry the eggs so they take shape. Once the eggs take shape but are still moist, quickly toss in rice.
Move the eggs and rice to the side of the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil into the empty side of the pan, and add the garlic and ginger. Cook for a couple of minutes. Then mix in with the rice and eggs.
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the pan. Then toss into the rice mixture until the rice is a lovely light brown. Taste and add more soy sauce and/or sesame oil if needed.
Remove from heat and stir in the green onions and slivered almonds. Serve immediately.
As I have written several times in my posts, I am getting lazier and lazier. And the other day I was in no mood to cook dinner. I’m currently recovering from cataract surgery, and it hasn’t gone as easily as predicted. Oh, not to worry. My eyes will eventually be just fine. They are just taking their own sweet time to stop being swollen. My eye doctor isn’t really concerned. (Of course he isn’t! They’re not his eyes!) But I trust him, and he is keeping a close eye (so to speak) on my progress.
But in the meantime, my “condition” is enough to keep me less than energetic when it comes to spending time in the kitchen. Or any other room besides my bedroom, for that matter. But I am getting better and I’m positive my energy will return after I stop feeling sorry for myself. But while I get my equilibrium back, I’m not terribly interested in trying new and amazing ways to tantalize our taste buds.
But dinner still must happen. So, with that in mind, I came up with the recipes you find below.
All three are easy to prepare, relatively inexpensive to make, and highly flavorful. And honestly, I have been making a variation of every one of these dishes for decades now. So, it was very easy for me to prepare this dinner combination.
After dinner, and I realized how yummy every part of our dinner had been, I decided I better pass the recipes along to you. Even if at most you would call them elementary efforts.
None the less, below you will find three recipes that, as described above, would never be considered haute cuisine, but are perfect for a cold, fall repast. And I think everyone in your family would find this comfort food meal very tasty.
Well, that’s it for today. We are off to enjoy Village Theater’s production of Camelot this evening in Everett. This has turned out to be a week of cultural events. Last Sunday – ACT theaters Sunday matinee production of Mrs. Loman is Leaving. (Fantastic BTW). Tonight – Camelot. And this Sunday, we will be attending a ballet at McCaw Hall in Seattle. And no, we don’t always have weeks like this. But when they do happen, it’s like being on holiday.
In between caring for my eyes and attending cultural events, I have also managed to get in a bit of reading. I just finished reading Castle Skull by author John Dickson Carr. What a romp! The story is set in a castle on the Rhine River that happens to look like a skull from afar. Three inexplicable murders lead world-famous sleuth Bencolin into a strange case of twisted revenge. And to make things really fun, the characters include a fascinating list of suspects: a mad duchess, an actor with a Hamlet complex, a virtuoso who likes to play his violin in the dark, a glamorous young lady who paints in the modern manner, a dynamic Belgian financier and his beautiful, weak-willed wife, and a newspaperman whose job is to report on Europe’s haunted castles. Would I classify this work of fiction as a tour de force? Heck no! Is it a fun read? Absolutely!
And for maybe the last time before the 5th of November, please vote. If you have already voted – our nation thanks you. If you haven’t voted yet, get off your duff and do your civic duty.
But regardless, as always, peace and love to all.
GROUND BEEF PATTIES IN A BEEFY, ONION, AND SOUR CREAM SAUCE
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 T. + ¼ tsp. Montreal Steak Seasoning, divided
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 T. unsalted butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 T. flour
1 c. water
1 tsp. beef base (I use Better Than Bouillon Beef Base)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. granulated garlic
¼ tsp. seasoned salt
freshly ground black pepper
⅓ c. sour cream
Combine the ground beef and 1 tablespoon of Montreal Seasoning in a mixing bowl. Divide into 4 balls and then form into four patties.
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a small frying pan. Add the ground beef patties and cook just until done. Remove from pan and set aside.
Using the same pan, cook the onion until soft and beginning to caramelize. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes.
Slowly add the water until smooth and no flour lumps remain. Then stir in the beef base, Worcestershire sauce, granulated garlic, seasoned salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a couple of minutes before stirring in the sour cream.
Place the cooked ground beef patties back in the pan and cook until they are once again warm.
The patties and gravy are just wonderful served with Easy Mixed-Rice Pilaf and Oven Baked Acorn Squash. (See recipes below.)
EASY MIXED-RICE PILAF (for 4)
The rice blend I used. (I like it a lot!)
2¼ c. water
2 tsp. beef base
2 tsp. dehydrated onion pieces
¼ tsp. granulated garlic
¼ tsp. seasoned salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 T. unsalted butter
1 c. mixed rice (not instant) (I used a blend of aromatic purple, red, and brown rice because that’s what I had on hand)
Combine all ingredients in a heavy, covered pan. Bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Great served anytime you need a savory rice side dish.
OVEN BAKED ACORN SQUASH (for 2)
1 acorn squash, cut in two along the stem and all seeds removed
water
2 T. unsalted butter
2-4 T. brown sugar
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Place the squash, cut side down, in a baking pan. Pour in enough water to bring the water to about ½-inch deep.
Bake the squash for 60-75 minutes in a pre-heated 400-degree oven.
Remove from oven when the squash is very soft. Turn off the oven.
Turn each half over and add a tablespoon of butter and 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to each. Then lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place back in the cooling oven for about 5 minutes. (This allows the butter and brown sugar to melt together.)
Sometimes you just need a quick and easy side dish. Nothing fancy, but still tasty. And for my money, this Italian staple fills the bill perfectly. But please note – this side dish is never going to be a rock star. But what it does deliver is simplicity and enough flavor to compliment any chicken, beef, pork, or seafood entrée. Basically, any main that requires a starchy companion.
And don’t we all need that side dish that enhances the dining experience but doesn’t threaten to replace the main dish as the star of the show. Sometimes, all we need from a dish is for it to be a filler. Something to complete the meal, but not take away from the perfect chop, meatloaf, or fried chicken breast you are also serving.
Not all dishes need to be so exciting as to detract from the entrée. Think of all the wonderful meals you’ve eaten in restaurants. Not all the sides are fantastic. But rather, they are on the plate to be that other taste or texture needed so that your mouth doesn’t get bored.
I cannot count the number of times I have been halfway through a fantastic creamy rich pasta, for example, when all of a sudden, I would give anything for a whole different taste sensation. Perhaps a salad with a vinegar dressing or a hunk of crusty bread. Because, bottom line, too much of a wonderful flavor or mouth feel, no matter how much you like the dish, can suddenly become unappetizing.
So, keep this recipe in mind when you need a delicious and easy to prepare filler. And no, when I discussed this with the Risi E Bisi I prepared the other evening, it took no offence at being considered a “filler” dish. In fact, it took great pride at being considered one of the tastiest and creamiest starch dishes ever to be served with baked, fried, or braised meat or fish. (I truly enjoy talking with intelligent and sophisticated ingredients like Arborio rice. So much better than talking to a rutabaga, for example. Kind of like discussing the state of our nation with liberal conservatives or conservative liberals rather than radical zealots on the far left or far right of the political spectrum.)
Well, that’s all I have to say for today. And for some of you, you might feel I have already said too much. If I have offended you in any way, I apologize. But I am going to continue speaking my mind. For me there will always be gray. And if someone or some cause only sees matters in white or black, with no consideration for gray, I see red!
But as always, I still wish peace and love to everyone.
2 c. chicken stock
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 T. finely chopped shallot
1 cloves garlic, chopped
½ rounded c. Arborio rice
1 T. dry white wine
pinch kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
½ c. frozen petite peas
¼ c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Place chicken stock in a small pot and warm over low heat.
Heat a medium sized heavy pan over medium heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and shallot. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the Arborio rice.
Toast the Arborio rice for about 2 minutes, then add the wine, salt, and pepper. Quickly ladle in ⅓ cup of the stock. Bring to a simmer. Stir rice occasionally, allowing the rice to get starchy and the stock to cook into the rice. Add more stock when rice starts to become dry. Continue stirring and ladling broth until rice is al dente, about 22 minutes.
Stir in peas and cheese and taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
If there is one dish that everyone from a gourmet to a person who favors simple food can agree upon, it’s meatloaf. Now, the ingredients may differ a bit from one category of eater to the other, but the fact remains. Almost everyone loves a good meatloaf.
So, when I woke up yesterday morning wondering what to make for dinner, meatloaf immediately came to mind. It’s easy to prepare, and there are a wide variety of side dishes that compliment this entrée. One especially came to mind (Risi E Bisi – Italian Rice and Peas) since I had just read about the dish in the book I am currently reading.
The book takes place in Venice and what the family of the protagonist eats for lunch or dinner is often included in the narrative. Not the recipes unfortunately, but enough of a description to make me either reluctant to even think about fixing it or eager to go directly to my kitchen and make like a cook.
The mystery series is written by Donna Leon and the protagonist is Commissario Guido Brunetti. The title of the book I am currently reading is “Unto Us a Son Is Given”. (Great reading BTW. I highly recommend this series if you are a mystery nut like me!) (And Risi E Bisi turned out to be as delicious as suggested by the author. I will be sharing this recipe with you in the near future.) But back to meatloaf.
This is not a new recipe. In fact, it is already on this site under the tantalizing title – Old Fashioned Meatloaf.
But never-the-less, I thought it might be a good idea to remind you of the merits of meatloaf lest you had forgotten this simple dish in your quest for new and exciting taste sensations. Not that I don’t go that route myself at every opportunity. But sometimes it’s just nice to sink your teeth into an old favorite.
May you too have many favorite dishes from which to choose.
And as always, peace and love to all.
1 c. finely chopped onion
½ c. dried breadcrumbs (I use Italian breadcrumbs)
1 T. dehydrated parsley
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. granulated garlic
freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp. ground savory
1 lg. egg
¼ c. milk
1 lb. bulk sausage (breakfast or sweet Italian)
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 T. brown sugar
⅓ c. ketchup
In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir the onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, pepper, savory, egg, and milk together. Gently stir in the sausage, then the ground beef. (Don’t overwork the mixture.) Form into 2 loaves and place on a small, rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes in a pre-heated 350-degree oven. Remove from oven and spread with brown sugar and ketchup that have been stirred together. Return pan to oven and bake for another 20 – 25 minutes. (Don’t over bake.) Internal temperature should be 155-160 degrees.
OK, I usually provide you with new and brilliant recipes with which to tantalize your own taste buds or those of your family and friends. This is not one of those recipes. This is a pedestrian recipe for those of you who need a side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. But don’t get me wrong. Brown basmati rice prepared this way is very tasty. It’s just not destined to be the star of the show. That dubious honor should go (for example) to a perfectly cooked piece of chicken or slices of pork tenderloin served with a lovely creamy sauce, or a firm but flaky piece of halibut served with a delightful aioli.
In theatrical and literary terms, this recipe represents the deuteragonist (secondary character) who still plays a big part in the story but supports the protagonist (main character). But then, we still need a supporting character, because half of your dinner plate should be filled with a non-starchy veggie, such as leafy greens, broccoli, or green beans. Of course, nutritionists would have us throw a bit of fruit onto our dinner plates too. But frankly, that just doesn’t happen at Chez Carr. We eat fruit with breakfast almost every day. But almost never at dinner. But I digress…
Anyway, by now you’ve surely gotten the gist of what needs to be said about this recipe. Rice prepared this way makes for a lovely side dish. But a side dish it shall ever remain.
Well, that’s it for now. We have been sequestered at home now for a week due to illness. But we are both beginning to see that the end of our confinement is in sight. But I have to say, it hasn’t been too bad. We got kind of used to staying home during the pandemic. And it has given Mr. C. plenty of time to play the piano and read. And for me to spend a good deal of my day with a book. When I could force myself to break away from researching new recipes, that is! So, all in all, not something I wish to experience again. But as prisons go, our home is perfectly set up for required captivity.
So, stay healthy everyone. And as always, peace and love to all.
1 c. brown basmati rice, washed and drained
2 c. chicken, beef, or veggie stock
½ tsp. granulated garlic
½ tsp. granulated onion
½ tsp. paprika
¼ tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. fresh or dried parsley
½ tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 T. unsalted butter
Place all the ingredients except the butter in your rice cooker using the brown rice option. When the rice is done, stir in the butter.
I have yet to make the right amount of rice. And it’s never on the side of not being enough. I am simply a cooked rice overachiever. (Mashed potatoes and poultry dressing also if truth be known.) Anyway, the other evening I wanted to serve a side dish that would be quick and easy to fix, while at the same time taste delicious and different. Then I remembered that I had left over cooked brown basmati rice in the fridge. But, what to do with this cooked rice? I could always just serve it again plain, but what fun is that? So, I decided to just wing it and see what I could come up with.
Possessing an innate desire to start any savory dish with a mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery slowly sautéed in oil), that was my starting move. Then I added some chopped fresh ginger, and the rest as they say is history. The dish turned out to be ever so easy to build and a very tasty addition to our meal.
So, if you find yourself with extra cooked rice, I recommend giving this recipe a try. Simple to prepare, satisfying, delicious, and reasonably healthy. What more could you require?
Well, it’s Sunday. The weather is gloomy, but I am happily sitting at my desk writing this post. Mr. C. is playing a lovely Bach piece on the piano. Miles is inhabiting the kitty bed on Andy’s desk (adjacent to my desk) and Max is napping on our bed. The entire Carr clan is happily enjoying a lazy day.
My wish is that every person could have a day like this. Free to do as they wish without worry about where their next meal was coming from. Or if they were going to be able to keep their home, or at least have a place to lay their head that night. Or whether their lives were about to be shattered by a Russian bomb. Having never experienced any of these types of situations, the fear and uncertainty felt by these folks is inconceivable to me. For that and the many other blessings I have received in my lifetime, I am truly thankful.
Peace and love to all.
1 T. veggie oil
1 sm. onion, chopped
⅓ c. shredded carrot
1 celery stalk, diced
1-2 tsp. chopped fresh ginger
2 eggs
2 T. toasted sesame oil
3 c. cooked brown basmati rice (see recipe below) or cooked rice of choice
2-3 T. soy sauce, or to taste
1 c. frozen peas
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 T. toasted sliced or slivered almonds
Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Add the veggie oil and cook the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the onion is tender. Add the ginger and cook for 1 minute.
Slide the veggies to the side and break the eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetable mix. Add the sesame oil, rice, and soy sauce to the veggie and egg mixture. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. Add the peas and cook just until they are hot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Then stir in the green onions and toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
BROWN BASMATI RICE
1 c. brown basmati rice
2½ c. water
2 tsp. Better Than Bouillon Vegetable base
Cook per package instructions or in your rice cooker using the “brown rice” setting.
Last evening, I served this very simple to prepare casserole for dinner. Our dear friend and neighbor Vicki joined us for the occasion. She was by herself because her husband Mark was down in Nashville recording some of his original songs in a professional studio accompanied by session musicians and backup singers. What fun is that! Anyway, I wanted to serve a dish that was easy to prepare and contained fairly healthy ingredients including brown basmati rice. Because I had special ordered brown basmati rice and was eager to use it again after my first recipe (Mediterranean Brown Basmati Rice Salad) had worked out so well.
Well, you know the old saying about best laid plans. Well, mine sure went asunder. Because for the life of me, I couldn’t find the brown basmati rice in my pantry. Apparently, I had tucked it in a place I was sure to find it. Wrong! I searched for 10 minutes before I threw my hands in the air, declared myself a freaking idiot, and used white balsamic rice in place of its brown relative. I was so mad at myself. But I couldn’t keep looking because Mr. C. had a rehearsal last evening, so I had to get the casserole in the oven by a certain time. And being late to rehearsal because his scatter-brained wife couldn’t find a certain ingredient was simply not a good enough excuse. Plus, what husband would want to admit to their wife’s disorganization (and that’s a kind word for it) in front of a bunch of fellow musicians! Even though, or maybe because, they are all friends and would nod their heads in an understanding and sympathetic way. I simply could not subject Mr. C. to that kind of genuine commiseration at my expense!
Anyway, I used white basmati rice, and all was well. The casserole was delicious, and it was on the table in time for the three of us to enjoy a leisurely dinner together.
And in case you were wondering, I did find the brown basmati rice. In fact, I walked straight to it after dinner. And yes, I had put it just where it belonged.
I have decided that this type of thing is just going to be part of my life from now on. I can’t ski any longer. I can’t hike any more. I can still walk up a hill, but I can’t come back down. (My knees are shot!) And Mr. C. more often than not, has to supply the last word in my sentences. I can’t hear or see like I used too. But I still know when the sun’s over the yardarm, even when there is no clock in sight.
And I can still laugh at myself. Which believe it or not, is the best medicine for wending your way through the intricacies of aging. Better laughter than tears is my new life motto.
So, as always, laugh rather than cry, be positive rather than negative, and always cut yourself some slack. Most of us are harder on ourselves than we are on others. Most of us would rather give than receive. But I have recently given myself permission to accept what I can’t change, change what I can, and say “to hell” with all the rest!
Peace and love to all.
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 T. unsalted butter
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces
¼ tsp. fine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
½ med. onion, chopped
6-8 oz. button mushrooms, sliced
1 lg. clove garlic, minced
3 T. dry sherry
1 c. water
2 rounded tsp. chicken base (I use Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base)
⅓ c. sour cream
2 T. milk or half & half
2 tsp. curry powder, or more to taste
¼ tsp. turmeric
¼ tsp. garam masala
½ c. uncooked brown basmati rice, rinsed
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with the fine sea salt and pepper. Brown the chicken pieces and remove to a small bowl. (The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked through, only browned.)
In the same sauté pan add the onion and mushrooms; cook until the onion is translucent, and the mushroom slices are brown. Add the garlic; cook 30 seconds more. Remove to the same bowl with the chicken.
Add the dry sherry to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sherry to reduce completely then add the water and chicken base and remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream, milk, curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Add the chicken and veggies back to the pan along with the rice. Pour the whole mess into a lightly buttered covered baking dish.
Bake, covered, in a pre-heated 375-degree oven for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Great served with a bit of chutney on the side and a simple green salad.
I often make extra brown rice just so that I can do something fun with it for a future meal. And the other evening was no exception. Mr. C. wanted to grill steak, so I decided to put the leftover rice waiting patiently for me to do something exciting with it, to good use. But what to do with it? Since it’s summer, I decided to use the rice in a salad. So, I went on-line looking for the perfect salad recipe that contained rice. And as luck would have it, I found this somewhat adapted recipe on the aheadofthyme.com site. I changed things up a bit because I didn’t have all the ingredients called for. I also added more olive oil to the dressing and used my already cooked brown basmati rice instead of cooking up some regular brown rice as directed in the original recipe. Which BTW, I am not going to be using from now on. (To read all about why I am going to refrain from serving regular brown rice any longer, take a quick gander at the information I provided below.) But for now, back to this salad recipe.
First thing I need to state emphatically, is that this salad is absolutely delicious. We both loved it and it is so very easy to prepare. Plus, the salad needs to be made ahead of time to allow the flavors to get to know one another before being devoured. So, easy to prepare, should be made ahead, tastes amazing. Nothing there not to like!
So, perfectly grilled steak and this salad made for a great meal enjoyed on our east facing outdoor table. Shade, good food, and a view of the Cascade Mountains and Port Susan Bay made for a very pleasant meal. Of course, the before dinner martini Mr. C. built me didn’t hurt either. Nor did his wine with dinner.
But the real star of the show was this salad. So, I hope you give this recipe a try. And please do read below about brown rice. I don’t know about you, but there is enough poison going around in the form of societal hate, racism, gun control issues, women’s rights pejoration, etc. without inadvertently and unknowingly adding inorganic arsenic to our diet. Just sayin’!
And just because I know you were wondering; brown basmati rice is a lot tastier than regular brown rice. And, this is important, so read carefully – in my humble opinion, brown basmati rice is a perfect replacement for plain old white rice. It is not chewy like regular brown rice. So, it can replace white rice in any of your favorite recipes and no one will be the wiser. In other words – brown basmati rice rocks!
Well, that’s all the news for today. Mr. C. has a gig in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island this evening. As the crow flies, we are talking about 12 miles from our home. However, because of all the surrounding water, the driving distance is about 60 miles. And not a 70 mile an hour highway to be had. But it is worth the drive. Listening to great jazz (Herding Katz Jazz Nonet) with some of the best players around while eating Southern BBQ at Orlando’s. (Again, some of the best around.) Life just doesn’t get much better. Plus, it’s Friday. And even if I have been retired for 20 years, Friday night is still super special. May you too have a super Friday night. And a great weekend.
Peace and love to all.
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
1 lg. clove garlic, finely minced
¼ tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. fine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 c. cold cooked brown basmati rice (see recipe below)
2 c. baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in thirds
½ c. diced cucumber or 1 lg. rib celery, diced (or both, why not?)
¼ c. thinly sliced red onion
⅓ c. sliced kalamata olives
⅓ c. crumbled feta cheese
Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, sea salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
Gently stir the cooked rice, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber or celery, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese together in a salad bowl. Pour on the dressing, stir gently, and refrigerate until ready to eat.
It’s best to let this salad happily sit covered in your fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Perfect as aside dish or as the main course.
RICE COOKER BROWN BASMATI RICE
1 c. long grain brown basmati rice*
2⅓ c. water
1 T. unsalted butter
½ tsp. kosher salt
Wash the rice to remove excess starch and use a colander to drain well. Add the rice, water, butter, and salt to the rice cooker and stir to combine. Select the brown rice setting on your rice cooker. Once finished cooking, fluff before serving.
*Brown Basmati Rice
Most types of rice, particularly white rice, have a high glycemic index. Basmati rice, however, is much lower on the scale. With a glycemic index between 50 and 58, basmati rice is a low to medium glycemic index food. If you have diabetes, small portions of basmati rice can be a part of your healthy diet.
In addition to a lower glycemic index, basmati rice contains a significant amount of fiber. A higher intake of dietary fiber can help to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Or if you have diabetes, when eaten in moderation, it doesn’t cause sugar spikes as much as regular white rice. In addition, the fiber in basmati rice is soluble, meaning it adds bulk and helps move waste along the digestive tract.
Eating whole grains like brown basmati rice is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Whole grains help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. They also help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
While both white and brown versions of basmati rice provide vital nutrients, brown basmati rice contains more fiber, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. Brown basmati rice is also lower on the glycemic index. Brown basmati rice from California is also the lowest in arsenic. Arsenic?
Arsenic in Brown Rice
According to consumer Reports “Brown rice has 80 percent more inorganic arsenic on average than white rice of the same type. Arsenic accumulates in the grain’s outer layers, which are removed to make white rice. Brown basmati from California, India, or Pakistan is the best choice; it has about a third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rice.
Rice that’s grown organically takes up arsenic the same way conventional rice does, so don’t rely on organic to have less arsenic.”
Some entrees just scream to share the spotlight with a dish that is creamy and savory. So, last evening when I baked a capon* (yup, a capon), I felt it necessary to serve a side dish that would complement not only the rich and pleasing texture of the meat, but also the subtle flavoring I had added before I set the guy to roast in the oven. So, I invented this recipe.
And yes, I know. White rice and pasta in the same dish. Isn’t one or the other enough without adding insult to injury by including both? What were you thinking Patti? Well, it was just one of those dinners that called for a side dish that was just a bit special. After all, we were having capon for dinner! So, a special side dish was absolutely in order. And no, we don’t eat capon on a regular basic. In fact, this was the first time! But definitely not the last time. The meat was amazingly tender and tasty. And when it is once again safe to have dinner guests, and we can find capon in our local grocery stores (usually only during the holidays), this special bird is going to be on the menu! And I gotta say, this side dish will be on the table right along with Mr. Capon. And I’ll probably complete the meal with steamed fresh green beans just like I did last night. Made for pretty darn good eating if I do say myself.
And yes, of course I’m going to share the recipe for Dutch Oven Baked Capon with Lemon, Garlic, Rosemary, and Thyme. Look for that recipe in the next couple of days. But back to this recipe.
This side dish is easy to prepare and really quite delicious. And except possibly for the addition of dried mushrooms, a dish that children should enjoy.
So, be brave. Make this dish with both white rice and orzo pasta. You really do need to treat yourself on occasion. And I frankly can’t think of a better way!
Peace and love to all.
⅓ c. small pieces of dried mushroom
½ c. boiling water
2 T. unsalted butter
½ c. orzo pasta
½ c. uncooked long grain white rice
½ c. diced onion
½ c. finely diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ c. dry sherry
2 c. vegetable broth, or a bit less if there is still quite a bit of mushroom soaking water left after the mushroom pieces have re-hydrated
½ tsp. seasoned salt
freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp. dried thyme
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
½ c. toasted slivered or sliced almonds
Place the pieces of dry mushroom in a small bowl. Add the boiling water, stir, and set aside.
Melt the butter in a lidded pan over medium-low heat. Add the orzo pasta and rice and fry until just starting to turn golden brown. Stir in onion and celery; cook for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the dry sherry and cook until liquid is evaporated.
Stir in the broth, re-hydrated dried mushroom pieces plus any remaining liquid, seasoned salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has all been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the parsley and almonds. Adjust seasoning. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
*According to The Spruce Eats, “A capon is a special type of chicken created to make the meat more tender and less gamy. It is a rooster that has been castrated before reaching sexual maturity, which improves the quality of the meat; after that, it is fed a rich diet of milk or porridge. The lack of testosterone makes for a more tender, flavorful meat that is a delight compared to regular chicken. Unfortunately, in the United States today, it may be rare to see capon on a dinner menu or in the grocery store. This poultry was once considered a luxury, and during the early part of the twentieth century, the capon was the chosen bird for Christmas feasts, especially for the wealthy. Working-class families saw capon as a rare treat because it was quite expensive.”
BTW – capon is still relatively expensive poultry. About $6 a pound. But well worth the money. And, at least in our immediate vicinity, capons are only available during the holidays. But if you are feeding 3-4 people for Thanksgiving, for example, a capon would certainly be my choice over a small turkey. And I love turkey. Just sayin’!
OK, as most of you are well-aware, I am a comfort food lover. Any dish that comes with a sauce or gravy immediately catches my attention. So, consequently, I often order a fancied-up ground beef pattie over a regular steak in a restaurant if given the choice. There’s just something that smacks of good home style cooking anytime a simple ingredient like ground beef is presented on the menu at a fine dining establishment. It means, someone in the kitchen thinks the way I do. So, an immediate bond is created regardless of the fact that in 99% of the cases, I won’t even be able to see the kitchen. Much less, who is doing the cooking. But that doesn’t matter. I instinctively know that he or she and I could be compadres. And that we are on the same wavelength when it comes to knowing that a doctored bit of good, fairly lean ground beef can be ever so much more flavorful than even a very well grilled hunk of beef.
And for those of us home cooks looking to save a bit of money and still produce a dinner that others will enjoy, there just isn’t anything easier to build or more delicious than a ground beef pattie smothered in a bit of sauce. And for the potato lovers in your family, a side of mashed potatoes should have your whole family bouncing up and down on their dining room chairs in anticipation. OK, maybe only coming to the table without their cell phones. But at least not hiding in their closets or threatening to leave home! Or worse yet – ordering in pizza!
So, next time you are in a hurry, or you and your kitchen are not on speaking terms, or you are just too burned out to even order take out, give this dish a try. It’s easy, it’s forgiving, and it tastes like you went to a great deal of trouble. But be advised. The sauce is very rich. So, if you have small children, you might want to offer them ketchup instead of the sauce. However, if your spouse asks for ketchup, please do me the honor of providing him or her with the driving instructions to the nearest McDonald’s!
Peace and love to all.
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 T. + ¼ c. finely chopped onion, divided
2 tsp. Montreal Seasoning
3 T. unsalted butter, divided
¼ c. finely chopped onion
8-10 button mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ c. dry red wine
1 c. water
1 tsp. beef base (I use Better Than Bouillon Beef Base)
freshly ground black pepper
1 T. all-purpose flour
Combine the ground beef, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, and Montreal Seasoning. Form into 2 or 3 torpedo shaped patties. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium sized frying pan. Add the patties and fry the first side until dark brown and about half cooked. Flip the patties and cook an additional couple of minutes or until desired doneness. (We like our patties with a bit of pink in the middle.)
Transfer the patties to a small plate; cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Melt 1 more tablespoon of the butter in the same pan. Add the remaining quarter cup of onion and the sliced mushrooms. Gently cook until the onion is soft, and the mushrooms are beginning to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the wine, water, beef base, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cook uncovered, for about 8 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by about half.
While the liquid is reducing, mash the remaining tablespoon of butter with the flour to make a smooth paste. (Helps immensely if the butter is at room temperature.)
Once the wine mixture is reduced, whisk the flour paste, a teaspoonful at a time, into the simmering liquid. Cook for a few minutes or until the sauce is nicely thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
(And no, there is no salt in the list of ingredients. Beef base usually contains more salt than I would prefer. So, I’ve found, that it’s much easier to add salt if needed, than to get rid of too much!)
Add the beef patties back to the pan. Allow to heat through, then serve decorated with the delicious sauce. Great with mashed potatoes or our favorite – Perfect Stove Top Brown Rice. (See recipe below.)
PERFECT STOVE TOP BROWN RICE
1 c. uncooked long grain brown rice, well rinsed
2 c. water
¼ tsp. seasoned salt
freshly ground black pepper (just a pinch)
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
Combine the rinsed rice, water, seasoned salt, pepper, and olive oil in a pot; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes more. Fluff with a fork.
