Carefree Baked Rice Creole

Carefree Baked Rice Creole Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes to 1 hour | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Carefree Baked Rice Creole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of rice, okra, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its roots in Creole cuisine, which is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. The use of okra, tomatoes, and a mix of vegetables in this dish reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the Creole people.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of uncooked rice
2 x 10 oz (283 g) packages of frozen sliced okra
1 medium onion, chopped
0.5 cup of chopped green pepper
1 x 14.5- to 16 oz (454 g) can of tomatoes (2 cups)
2 cups of beef broth (or vegetable stock)
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
2 tbsp of butter or margarine

How to prepare

Butter a 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the rice in the bottom of the dish.
Cover with half of the okra, followed by half of the onion and green pepper.
In a separate container, combine tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture.
Pour 2 cups of the heated mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish. Dot with butter.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Cover the dish and bake at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Mix in some Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to butter the baking dish before layering the ingredients to prevent sticking.

- Heating the tomato broth mixture before pouring it over the ingredients helps to evenly distribute the flavors.

- Covering the dish while baking helps to steam the rice and vegetables, ensuring a moist and tender final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carefree Baked Rice Creole as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook evenly, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute fresh okra for frozen, or use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to the baking step ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carefree Baked Rice Creole with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carefree Baked Rice Creole contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Carefree Baked Rice Creole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Carefree Baked Rice Creole contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Carefree Baked Rice Creole contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and green pepper, as well as fiber from the okra.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy allergens. Please check the label for allergen information.

Summary

Carefree Baked Rice Creole is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Carefree Baked Rice Creole is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. With a blend of vegetables, rice, and a savory tomato broth, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Carefree Baked Rice Creole. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Rose prepare a big family dinner. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a steaming dish of rice that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

"Where did you learn to make this?" I asked her, eager to learn the secret behind this delicious dish.

Aunt Rose smiled and told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family. She explained that it was a simple yet flavorful recipe that had been a staple at family gatherings for as long as she could remember.

I was intrigued and asked her to teach me how to make it. She agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, cooking and chatting as she showed me the steps to make Carefree Baked Rice Creole.

The first thing Aunt Rose taught me was to start with good quality ingredients. She emphasized the importance of using fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavors of the dish. As we chopped and diced the vegetables, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to cook and the memories they had shared in the kitchen.

Next, Aunt Rose showed me how to sauté the vegetables in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant. She added a blend of spices and herbs, explaining that this was the key to giving the dish its unique flavor. As the aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

Once the vegetables were cooked to perfection, Aunt Rose taught me how to combine them with the rice in a casserole dish. She poured in a mixture of broth and tomato sauce, stirring everything together until it was well combined. The dish was then covered with foil and placed in the oven to bake.

As we waited for the rice to cook, Aunt Rose and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and reminiscing about our family's history. She told me stories of her own childhood and the meals her mother used to make for her. I listened intently, soaking up every detail and feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

Finally, the timer dinged, and we eagerly pulled the dish out of the oven. The aroma that wafted from the casserole dish was enough to make my stomach growl in anticipation. Aunt Rose served up generous portions of the Carefree Baked Rice Creole, topping each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to the family dinners of my childhood. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect blend of savory and spicy that warmed me from the inside out. I could taste the love and history that had gone into this dish, and I knew that it would become a favorite in my own repertoire.

After that day, I made Carefree Baked Rice Creole often, sharing it with friends and family at gatherings and special occasions. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Aunt Rose and the memories we had created in the kitchen that day. The recipe had become more than just a dish to me—it was a connection to my past and a way to preserve the traditions of my family for generations to come. And for that, I was truly grateful.