Gourmet Green Rice

Gourmet Green Rice Recipe - Vegetarian Rice Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Gourmet Green Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines cooked rice with cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, green pepper, and onion. This dish is creamy and rich, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

History

The origins of Gourmet Green Rice are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a gourmet twist on traditional rice dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a popular dish in many households.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
1 cup (4 oz or 113 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
0.5 cup finely chopped green pepper
0.33 cup chopped onion
1.5 cups milk or half and half
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp seasoned salt
0.25 tsp garlic powder
juice and peel of 1 lemon
paprika
green pepper rings for garnish (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Combine rice, cheese, parsley, green pepper, and onion in a large bowl.
Mix milk, eggs, butter, pepper, salt, garlic powder, lemon juice, and peel; stir into the rice mixture, blending thoroughly.
Turn the mixture into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish; sprinkle with paprika.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.
Garnish with green pepper rings and parsley, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different cheeses such as Gruyere or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Add in some cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Be sure to blend the milk, eggs, and seasonings thoroughly into the rice mixture to ensure a creamy and flavorful dish.

- Garnish with green pepper rings and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Gourmet Green Rice pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the Gourmet Green Rice in the oven to ensure a creamy and fully cooked dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use different herbs such as cilantro or basil in place of parsley.

- Substitute milk for half and half for a lighter version of the dish.

- Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Gourmet Green Rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Gourmet Green Rice with green pepper rings and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Gourmet Green Rice with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Gourmet Green 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 Gourmet Green Rice contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gourmet Green Rice contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gourmet Green Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gourmet Green Rice contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gourmet Green Rice is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, half and half, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Gourmet Green Rice is a creamy and flavorful dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gourmet Green Rice is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for any meal. With its blend of rice, cheese, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished visiting my dear friend Beatrice, who was known for her exquisite taste in cooking. As I bid her farewell and stepped out onto the cobblestone path leading to my home, a gust of wind blew a yellowed piece of parchment right into my path.

I bent down to pick it up, and as I unfolded the fragile paper, I saw the words "Gourmet Green Rice" scrawled across the top in elegant script. My curiosity piqued, I read on as the recipe detailed the ingredients and instructions for creating a dish that promised to be both delicious and unique.

Intrigued, I tucked the recipe into my apron pocket and hurried home to my cozy kitchen. As I gathered the necessary ingredients - arborio rice, fresh spinach, parsley, mint, and a hint of lemon zest - I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. It seemed to be a blend of Mediterranean and Asian influences, a fusion of flavors that I had never encountered before.

As I chopped and sautéed, the kitchen filled with the heady aroma of herbs and spices. The rice cooked to a perfect al dente, the vibrant green color of the spinach and herbs mingling with the white grains. I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect, and was immediately transported to a world of flavor unlike anything I had ever tasted.

The dish was a symphony of textures and tastes - the creamy richness of the rice, the earthy freshness of the spinach, the bright acidity of the lemon. It was a revelation, a culinary masterpiece that I knew I had to share with my friends and family.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different variations. I added toasted pine nuts for crunch, swapped out the mint for basil for a more Italian twist, and even tried adding a splash of white wine for a touch of sophistication.

Each time I made Gourmet Green Rice, it was met with rave reviews. My friends marveled at the complexity of flavors, the delicate balance of ingredients, and the sheer inventiveness of the dish. They begged me for the recipe, but I kept it close to my chest, savoring the secret like a precious gem.

One day, as I was visiting my cousin Sophia in her bustling bakery, I happened to mention the recipe in passing. Sophia's eyes lit up with excitement, and she insisted that I teach her how to make it. Intrigued by her enthusiasm, I agreed to a cooking lesson.

We spent a sunny afternoon in Sophia's kitchen, chopping and stirring and laughing as we worked together to recreate the dish. Sophia proved to be a quick study, her nimble fingers deftly handling the knife and the pan with ease. She added her own twist to the recipe, a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick, and I knew then that she had inherited my love for cooking and my passion for experimentation.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I watched Sophia's face light up with delight as she took her first bite. The flavors exploded on her palate, the rice melting in her mouth, the herbs and spices dancing on her tongue. She looked at me with a grin and said, "This is amazing, Grandma. Thank you for sharing this recipe with me."

And in that moment, I realized that the joy of cooking wasn't just in the act of creating something delicious, but in the act of sharing that creation with others. The Gourmet Green Rice recipe had brought me closer to my cousin, had forged a bond between us that transcended words and gestures. It was a gift, a legacy that I could pass on to future generations, a reminder of the love and passion that went into every dish I made.

And so, as I sit here now, penning down the story of how I learned to make Gourmet Green Rice, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. Cooking has always been my passion, my solace, my refuge in times of joy and sorrow. And this recipe, with its blend of memories and flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart.