Green Chili Rice

As you know by now, I like a bargain meal or side dish. This one could work for a meatless Friday meal or a side dish to chicken or beef.

Green Chili Rice

1 cup uncooked, white rice
1 cup sour cream
2 cups Monteray Jack Cheese, shredded
4 ounce can of roasted diced chilies
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Cook the rice according to package directions or in a rice steamer.

Combine the rice with the remaining ingredients except for 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish and then top with the remaining cheese.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated thoroughly. Serves four to six.

Ideas . . .
1/2 cup diced, cooked chicken or ham changes the game plan!
1 can of drained tuna would be interesting.
Mix the 1/2 cup topping cheese with some Panko crumbs for extra crunch.
Use 1/2 Monterary Jack and 1/2 sharp cheddar cheese.
Want it hotter? Use canned Jalepeno chilies.

Super Rice Fritata

With two children at home but attending the local college and a husband with a changeable work schedule, I don't always have the time to create a dinner as much as cook something and get it on the table. Since we do try to eat relatively healthy, I am always looking for tasty shortcuts that don't involve boxed foods or fast food. This is a good one and, as always, is open to creative change. I have been known to stir in some cooked, diced chicken or crispy fried pork.

Super Rice Fritata

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, smashed and diced
2 tablespoons butter
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sause
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
2 cups cooked rice
4-ounce can chopped, mild green chilies, undrained
1 tomato, diced
3/4 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

In a large frying pan, cook onions and garlic until tender.

Mix together the eggs, milk, and seasonings. Stir in the rice, chilies, and tomato. Pour mixture into pan with onions and garlic. Reduce the heat, cover and cook until just set. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and remove from heat. Let it set for about five minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve.

Easy Recipe . . .

The only thing easier than this recipe is being handed a menu and not having to cook at all! The recipe is very basic but I can see lots of potential for adding some personal touches.

Dirty Rice

1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
1/2 cup butter
1 can onion soup (10 3/4 ounces)
1 can beef broth (10 3/4 ounces)

Combine all ingredients in uncovered baking dish. Stir to combine and bake at 350 degrees for approximately one hour. You might want to check periodically to make sure there is enough liquid as you can add it as needed.

Seems to me that you could add a bit of brown sausage bits to the mixture, slivered ham, or cooked chicken. My family likes it spicy so I'm seeing myself tossing in a good pinch of chili flakes.

If you are blessed to have a rice cooker, you cook it that way, too. Just check your manufacturer's proportions on liquids.

Stove-Top Rice Pudding

To my thinking, this is the ultimate comfort food on a cold evening! Actually, it is pretty comforting to make in the summer because you don't have to turn on the oven to prepare it. Just a note, I use a long grain rice so can't say what Jasmine or short grain rices will produce.

1 cup rice
3 cups milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a heavy cooking pot. Gradually bring to a boil, stirring often to prevent burning. As soon as it reaches a boil, cover and turn heat down very low. Continue cooking until all the liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Serve warm or cold.

A nice variation is a cup of chopped apple dredged in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter cup of sugar. Stir in after pudding has been cooked.