Best Classic Red Rice Recipe Epicuriouscom Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

PERFECT RICE



Perfect Rice image

Cooking rice on the stove is easy, as long as you keep these tips in mind: To trap the steam, leave the lid on as much as possible while cooking; let the rice sit afterward to absorb the water completely; and always fluff it with a fork just before serving. It also helps to have a basic understanding about the different types of rice. Most rice is classified as either white or brown; the color is determined by the way that the grain is processed. White rice is stripped of its husk, bran, and germ. Brown rice has the bran and germ intact, and takes longer to cook. In general, the shorter the grain, the more starch it contains. Some types of rice, especially Asian varieties such as basmati and jasmine, benefit from rinsing to remove the excess starch and any impurities. American enriched rices, however, have been coated with vitamins, and rinsing will only serve to wash those away. If you do rinse the rice (either under running water or by submerging it in cold water and then draining it), reduce the amount of water you cook with by 1/4 cup. Finally, although many recipes call for cooking 1 cup rice with 2 cups water, try reducing the water to 1 1/2 cups; this ratio produces lighter, fluffier results.

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Bring the water to a boil in an uncovered pan over medium-high heat; add a pinch of salt and the rice, then stir once and return to a boil. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low; cover, and set the timer to 15 minutes for white rice and 30 for brown.
  • Leave the lid on throughout the cooking process; if you lift it, return it quickly. Toward the end of the cooking time, check the rice. You'll know it's done when there are craters in the surface that aren't full of water.
  • Let the rice sit before serving, covered but removed from heat, 5 to 10 minutes for white and 15 for brown. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  • If you cook rice often, you may want to invest in a rice cooker. These handy machines are nearly foolproof if you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rice cookers will also hold cooked rice at the perfect temperature for hours. Here is the basic process:
  • Put the rice in the cooker and add a pinch of salt and the water; secure the top and press the start button. The machine will automatically adjust the cooking time for white or brown rice.
  • When the cooker stops, the rice is ready to eat; there is no need to let the rice sit before serving. When dishing out the rice, use a wooden or plastic spoon to avoid scratching the nonstick canister.

RED RICE DELUXE



Red Rice Deluxe image

In the South, this dish is called Limping Susan. To make the version known as Hoppin' John, add cooked black-eyed peas.

Provided by Caroline Belk

Yield 6 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 slices bacon
1 1/2 cups frozen, sliced okra, thawed
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 15- to 16-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 cups cooked white rice
Cayenne pepper
Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels and drain. Crumble bacon.
  • Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add okra, celery and onion to skillet. Increase heat to medium-high; sauté until vegetables are almost tender, about 8 minutes. Mix in tomatoes with their juices, rice and bacon. Simmer until most liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Season with cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

RED BEANS AND RICE



Red Beans and Rice image

Garlic bread is perfect on the side. You can find Creole or Cajun seasoning in the spice section of most supermarkets.

Provided by Sandi Nelson

Categories     Bean     Pork     Rice     Side     Kid-Friendly     Low/No Sugar     Mardi Gras     Sausage     Winter     Bon Appétit     Michigan     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Small Plates

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound fully cooked smoked sausage (such as hot links or Kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 14 1/2- to 16-ounce cans kidney beans
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups cooked rice

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic and sauté until onion is brown, about 15 minutes. Mix in kidney beans with their juices, broth and Creole seasoning. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until flavors are blended and mixture is very thick, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
  • Divide cooked rice among large shallow soup bowls. Spoon bean mixture over rice and serve.

Related Topics