Mandarin Rice Dressing
Mandarin Rice Dressing Recipe - Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine
Introduction
Mandarin Rice Dressing is a flavorful and colorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of rice, mandarin oranges, and spices creates a dish that is both sweet and savory.
History
This recipe is believed to have originated in the southern United States, where rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The addition of mandarin oranges adds a unique twist to the traditional rice dressing recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sliced green onions
- 1 cup of sliced celery
- 2 tbsp of butter or margarine
- 3 cups of cooked rice
- 1 x 11 oz (312 g) can of drained mandarin oranges
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 tsp of ground ginger
- 1 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, cook onions and celery in butter until they are tender crisp.
- Add rice, oranges, lemon juice, ginger, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture thoroughly, tossing it lightly with a fork.
- If desired, press the mixture firmly into individual custard cups or molds.
- Unmold the mixture onto a serving dish along with the baked Cornish game hens.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for added crunch.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the onions and celery until they are tender crisp to ensure they are not too crunchy in the final dish.
- Tossing the rice mixture lightly with a fork will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
- Pressing the mixture into custard cups or molds before unmolding can add a decorative touch to the presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Mandarin Rice Dressing pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled shrimp.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the onions and celery until they are tender crisp to avoid overcooking them.
- Toss the rice mixture lightly with a fork to avoid crushing the mandarin oranges.
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter can be used in place of margarine.
- Fresh mandarin oranges can be used instead of canned.
Make Ahead Tips
Mandarin Rice Dressing can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Mandarin Rice Dressing in individual custard cups or molds for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Mandarin Rice Dressing with a simple green salad and a protein of your choice 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 on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Mandarin Rice Dressing contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Mandarin Rice Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Mandarin Rice Dressing contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Mandarin Rice Dressing contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Mandarin Rice Dressing is a good source of vitamin C from the mandarin oranges.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and may contain gluten if using certain brands of margarine. Check labels for allergen information.
Summary
Mandarin Rice Dressing is a relatively low-calorie side dish that is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamin C.
Summary
Mandarin Rice Dressing is a delicious and colorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of rice, mandarin oranges, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Mandarin Rice Dressing. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a master in the art of cooking, and she had learned her recipes from various places and people just like I have. One day, as I was helping her prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn and stained piece of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me with a smile.
"This is a special recipe that I learned from a friend many years ago," she said. "It's a unique twist on traditional rice dishes, and I think you'll enjoy making it."
I eagerly read over the recipe, taking in the ingredients and instructions with wide-eyed wonder. Mandarin oranges, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil - it was a combination of flavors that I had never tasted before. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making it myself.
As I followed the recipe step by step, I could feel my grandmother's presence guiding me along the way. She taught me the importance of patience and precision in cooking, and I took those lessons to heart as I measured out each ingredient and carefully sautéed the vegetables. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the dish cooked was intoxicating, and I knew that I was on the right track.
When the Mandarin Rice Dressing was finally finished, I eagerly spooned some into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the sweetness of the oranges, the crunch of the green onions, and the savory richness of the soy sauce and sesame oil all melded together in perfect harmony. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.
Over the years, I have made the Mandarin Rice Dressing countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight those who try it. I have passed the recipe on to friends and family members, just as my grandmother did for me all those years ago.
But the true beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious flavors, but in the memories and traditions that it carries with it. Every time I make it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love and knowledge that she passed down to me. I can still hear her voice as she guided me through the steps, her laughter echoing in the kitchen as we cooked together.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that this recipe has taken me on, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that my grandmother bestowed upon me. It is a gift that has brought me joy, nourishment, and connection with others throughout my life. And as I continue to share the Mandarin Rice Dressing recipe with others, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that is as rich and fulfilling as the dish itself.
Categories
| Celery Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Chinese Vegetarian | Ginger Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Mandarin Orange Recipes | Rice Recipes | Stuffing Recipes |