Creamy Pancetta Rice
Creamy Pancetta Rice Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make
Introduction
Creamy Pancetta Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of pancetta with the creaminess of cheddar cheese and rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a special meal.
History
Creamy Pancetta Rice is a modern twist on traditional rice dishes, combining classic ingredients with a creamy and cheesy sauce. The addition of pancetta adds a savory and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of hot cooked rice
- 1.5 cups (6 oz or 170 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup of minced onion
- 2 tbsp of butter or margarine
- 1 tsp of garlic salt
- 1 cup of milk
How to prepare
- Combine rice, 1 cup of cheese, parsley, onion, butter, garlic salt, and milk.
- Turn the mixture into a greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the rice mixture for extra protein.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the rice until it is hot before combining it with the other ingredients to ensure that the dish bakes evenly.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the onion and pancetta before adding them to the rice mixture.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Pancetta Rice can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Use bacon or ham instead of pancetta.
- Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
Creamy Pancetta Rice can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Creamy Pancetta Rice with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Creamy Pancetta Rice with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Creamy Pancetta Rice 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 Creamy Pancetta Rice contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Creamy Pancetta Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Creamy Pancetta Rice contains approximately 18 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Creamy Pancetta Rice contains approximately 12 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Creamy Pancetta Rice is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and may contain gluten (depending on the type of rice used).
Summary
Creamy Pancetta Rice is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.
Summary
Creamy Pancetta Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a special meal. With its creamy and cheesy sauce, savory pancetta, and fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowing pages and faded ink, I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe for Creamy Pancetta Rice.
I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients intrigued me. Arborio rice, pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. It sounded rich and decadent, the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
I immediately set to work gathering the necessary ingredients from my pantry and refrigerator. I could practically taste the creamy, salty goodness already. As I chopped the pancetta into small pieces and grated the Parmesan cheese, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me.
Once all the ingredients were prepared, I began cooking the rice in a pot of simmering chicken broth. The scent of the pancetta sizzling in a separate pan filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
As the rice cooked and absorbed the flavorful broth, I added the pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. The mixture transformed into a velvety, luscious dish that looked almost too good to eat.
But eat it I did, savoring every creamy bite. The salty pancetta balanced perfectly with the rich Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors in my mouth. It was a revelation, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time, it never failed to impress and delight.
Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its deliciousness. They asked where I had learned to make such a delectable dish, but I simply smiled and said it was a family secret.
But the truth was, I had no idea where the recipe had come from. It was a mystery, passed down through generations without a clear origin. All I knew was that it had been a part of my family for as long as I could remember.
And so, the recipe for Creamy Pancetta Rice became a part of my culinary repertoire, a cherished heirloom that I hoped to pass down to future generations. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and shared meals, a connection to my past and a promise for the future.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that sunny Saturday afternoon when I first discovered the recipe, I can't help but smile. The memory of that moment is etched in my mind forever, a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring and the love that can be shared around a table filled with delicious food.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Side Dish Rice Recipes |