Creole Rice Pilaf

Creole Rice Pilaf Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Creole Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the rich flavors of Creole cuisine with the simplicity of a classic rice pilaf. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a special occasion.

History

Creole Rice Pilaf has its roots in the Creole cuisine of Louisiana, which is known for its bold flavors and unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. This dish typically features a mix of vegetables, herbs, and spices, which are sautéed and then simmered with rice until tender.

Ingredients

1.5 tsp of olive oil
0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper
0.33 cups of minced shallots
0.5 cups of sliced scallions
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1.25 cups of diced mushrooms
1 cup of diced plum tomatoes
1.5 cups of short-grain brown rice
3.5 cups of boiling vegetable broth
0.5 cups of chopped fresh coriander
1 tsp of dried thyme
2 tsp of Bragg Liquid Aminos

How to prepare

1. Heat oil and crushed red pepper in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
2. Add shallots, scallions, and celery, and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and tomatoes, and cook for 2 minutes before adding rice. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add boiling broth, fresh coriander, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in liquid aminos, remove from heat, and serve.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or okra for a traditional Creole twist.
Substitute quinoa or wild rice for the brown rice for a different flavor and texture.
Stir in cooked black beans or chickpeas for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use short-grain brown rice for the best texture and flavor in this dish.

- Sautéing the vegetables before adding the rice helps to develop their flavors and adds depth to the dish.

- Be sure to stir the rice occasionally while it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- For a spicier version of this dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creole Rice Pilaf as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main dish topped with sautéed shrimp or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the rice helps to develop their flavors and adds depth to the dish.

- Simmering the rice in vegetable broth infuses it with flavor and helps to create a fluffy and tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or jasmine rice instead of brown rice for a lighter texture.

- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This Creole Rice Pilaf 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 the Creole Rice Pilaf with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. - Serve the dish in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with lemon wedges for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Creole Rice Pilaf with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

- Serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Creole Rice Pilaf 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

210

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Summary

This Creole Rice Pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creole Rice Pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Creole Rice Pilaf. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old wooden chest in the attic, searching for some forgotten treasures from my past. As I sifted through the dusty old papers and trinkets, my hand brushed against a faded piece of parchment tucked away in the corner.

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the delicate paper and my eyes widened with delight as I read the elegant script detailing the ingredients and instructions for making a traditional Creole Rice Pilaf. The recipe had been passed down through generations in my family, and I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure.

Growing up in the heart of Louisiana, I had always been surrounded by the rich flavors and vibrant spices of Creole cuisine. My grandmother, a masterful cook herself, had taught me the art of preparing classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. But the Creole Rice Pilaf was a new and exciting challenge for me to tackle.

I eagerly set to work gathering the necessary ingredients - long grain rice, bell peppers, onions, garlic, andouille sausage, and a medley of herbs and spices. As I chopped, diced, and sautéed, the familiar scents of cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves filled my kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood spent watching my grandmother work her culinary magic.

As the rice simmered on the stove, absorbing the flavors of the spicy sausage and aromatic vegetables, I couldn't help but reflect on the many sources from which my grandmother had acquired her vast repertoire of recipes. She had learned the art of Creole cooking from her own mother, who had in turn inherited the knowledge from her ancestors who had settled in Louisiana generations ago.

But it wasn't just family traditions that had shaped my grandmother's culinary expertise. She had also gleaned recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers she had met over the years. Each new dish she learned to prepare added a layer of depth and complexity to her cooking, making her kitchen a place of endless exploration and discovery.

I thought back to the time my grandmother had invited a group of Creole elders to our home for a cooking demonstration. I watched in awe as they shared their secrets for making gumbo, étouffée, and other beloved dishes, passing down their knowledge with a grace and generosity that left a lasting impression on me.

As the Creole Rice Pilaf finished cooking, I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. I ladled a generous spoonful onto my plate, savoring the spicy aroma and colorful array of ingredients. With each bite, I was transported back to those long-ago days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells of Creole cooking.

As I finished my meal, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. I had successfully recreated a beloved family recipe, one that had been handed down through the generations and now lived on in my own kitchen. I knew that my grandmother would be pleased to see me carrying on the tradition of Creole cooking, honoring the legacy of those who had come before me.

And as I sat at the table, savoring the last bite of Creole Rice Pilaf, I knew that I had unlocked a small piece of my family's culinary history, a treasure to be cherished and shared for years to come. The recipe may have been old and faded, but its flavors were as vibrant and delicious as ever, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the joy of cooking.