Confetti Rice II

Confetti Rice II Recipe with Red Bell Pepper, Peas, and Parmesan Cheese

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Confetti Rice II is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a side or main dish. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of brown basmati rice with the sweetness of red bell peppers and peas, all cooked in a savory vegetable broth.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional rice pilaf dishes, incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables and herbs to create a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
0.75 cup brown basmati rice, soaked for 2 hours
0.25 cup dry white wine
0.25 tsp dried leaf thyme, crushed
0.13 tsp pepper
2 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
0.5 cup diced red bell pepper
0.5 cup peas
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a medium-sized non-stick saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the onion until softened.
Rinse and drain the rice.
Add the rice to the saucepan and brown it.
Add the wine, thyme, pepper, and broth, and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Add the peas and bell pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 5 minutes.
Garnish with cheese and serve.

Variations

Add diced carrots or corn for additional color and flavor.
Substitute quinoa or wild rice for the brown basmati rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the rice for 2 hours helps to soften it and reduce the cooking time.

- Browning the rice before adding the liquid enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.

- Stirring occasionally while cooking ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.

Serving Suggestions

Confetti Rice II can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions before adding the rice helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the rice in broth ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Substitute grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese for the parmesan cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Confetti Rice II can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Confetti Rice II with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Confetti Rice II with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a light and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Confetti Rice II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Confetti Rice II contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Confetti Rice II contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Confetti Rice II contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Confetti Rice II contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Confetti Rice II is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron due to the red bell peppers and peas.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and alcohol (white wine), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or alcohol allergies.

Summary

Confetti Rice II is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Confetti Rice II is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its colorful vegetables and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Confetti Rice II. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret's house for a relaxing afternoon of tea and conversation. Margaret had always been a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on our tea and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. I could hear her rummaging around, and I wondered what she was up to. A few minutes later, she emerged with a well-worn recipe card in her hand.

"Have you ever tried Confetti Rice II?" she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued. "No, I haven't. What is it?"

Margaret grinned and handed me the recipe card. "It's a family favorite. My grandmother used to make it for us when we were kids. I think you'll love it."

I took the card from her and scanned over the ingredients and instructions. It seemed simple enough, but the combination of flavors and textures intrigued me. I thanked Margaret for sharing the recipe with me and promised to give it a try soon.

That evening, I set to work in my own kitchen, following the recipe to the letter. I sautéed the onions and peppers until they were soft and fragrant, then added in the rice and broth. As the rice cooked, I could already smell the delicious aromas filling my kitchen.

Once the rice was cooked, I fluffed it up with a fork and added in the black beans, corn, and cilantro. The colors of the dish were beautiful – a true confetti of flavors. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to Margaret's kitchen. The dish was delicious – savory, slightly spicy, and full of vibrant flavors.

From that moment on, Confetti Rice II became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy weeknights. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and I loved sharing the recipe with friends and family.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some extra spices here and there to suit my own tastes. But the core of the dish – the combination of rice, beans, corn, and peppers – remained the same. It was a dish that always brought smiles to the faces of those who tried it.

As I continued to make Confetti Rice II, I started to think about the origins of the recipe. Where had Margaret's grandmother learned to make it? Was it a family heirloom, passed down through generations? Or had she stumbled upon it in a similar way that I had?

I decided to ask Margaret about the history of the recipe the next time we met for tea. She smiled as I brought it up, her eyes sparkling with memories.

"My grandmother actually learned to make Confetti Rice II from a dear friend of hers," Margaret explained. "She was a neighbor who had lived in Mexico for many years and had brought the recipe back with her. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and my grandmother made it often."

I was fascinated by this tidbit of information. It was amazing to think that this recipe had traveled across countries and generations, bringing joy and nourishment to so many people. I felt honored to be a part of that tradition, to carry on the legacy of a dish that had brought so much happiness to others.

As I continued to make Confetti Rice II, I shared the recipe with anyone who asked. I wrote it down on recipe cards, emailed it to friends, and even demonstrated how to make it to my grandchildren. It became a special dish in our family – a dish that connected us to our past and brought us together in the present.

And so, every time I make Confetti Rice II, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, of the friend in Mexico who first shared the recipe, and of all the happy memories that have been created around this simple yet delicious dish. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting connections, and to nourish both body and soul.

I am grateful for the day I stumbled upon this recipe, for the chance to learn it from Margaret, and for the joy it has brought into my life. Confetti Rice II will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to create lasting memories and connections. And for that, I am truly thankful.