Pedernales Rice Bake

Pedernales Rice Bake Recipe - Sausage, Rice, Cheddar, Milk, & Eggs

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pedernales Rice Bake is a delicious and hearty casserole dish that combines flavorful sausage, rice, green chiles, and cheese. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck gathering.

History

The Pedernales Rice Bake recipe is inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest, where ingredients like green chiles and cheddar cheese are commonly used in traditional dishes. This recipe puts a unique twist on classic comfort food, creating a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of well-seasoned whole hog sausage
3 cups of cooked rice
2 4 oz (113 g) cans of diced green chiles
1.5 cups (6 oz or 170 g) of grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup of milk
4 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp of flour
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cook the sausage in a medium skillet until it is well browned, stirring to crumble it. Pour off any excess fat. Add the rice, chiles, and 1 cup of cheese. Spoon the mixture into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, eggs, flour, and salt. Pour this mixture over the rice mixture. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour, or until it is set.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese on top. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the rice mixture.
Substitute the sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked black beans or corn to the rice mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is well browned and crumbled to ensure maximum flavor in the dish.

- Mixing the milk, eggs, flour, and salt separately before pouring over the rice mixture helps to create a creamy and custard-like texture.

- Allowing the dish to stand for 5 minutes after baking helps to set the cheese on top and allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Pedernales Rice Bake can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It is also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the sausage, mixing the custard-like mixture separately, and baking the dish until it is set. These techniques help to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole hog sausage, you can use any type of ground sausage or even ground beef or turkey. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Pedernales Rice Bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Pedernales Rice Bake in a colorful baking dish or casserole dish for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Pedernales Rice Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pedernales Rice Bake contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pedernales Rice Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Each serving of Pedernales Rice Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the sausage, cheese, and milk, providing flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Pedernales Rice Bake contains approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Pedernales Rice Bake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, and iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Pedernales Rice Bake is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Pedernales Rice Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that combines flavorful sausage, rice, green chiles, and cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal or potluck gathering. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me inside for a cool glass of lemonade. As we sat at her kitchen table, she pulled out an old, weathered recipe card and handed it to me.

"Here, dear," she said with a smile. "I think you'll enjoy this recipe. It's called Pedernales Rice Bake, and it's been in my family for generations."

I looked down at the recipe card and read through the ingredients and instructions. It called for rice, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to try it out.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins," I said, genuinely touched by her gesture. "I can't wait to make this for my family."

As I walked home that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the recipe. I had always loved cooking, and I was eager to add this new dish to my repertoire. When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and prepping the dish.

I followed the recipe to a tee, sautéing the onions and bell peppers until they were soft and fragrant, browning the ground beef until it was perfectly cooked, and mixing everything together in a casserole dish with the rice and tomatoes. The blend of spices added the perfect amount of flavor, and the dish smelled divine as it baked in the oven.

When I pulled the Pedernales Rice Bake out of the oven, I knew I had a winner. The flavors were rich and comforting, and the dish was hearty and satisfying. I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

As we sat down to dinner that night, my husband and children dug into the Pedernales Rice Bake with gusto. They loved it just as much as I did, and it quickly became a family favorite. I knew that this recipe would have a special place in my heart for years to come.

Over the years, I made the Pedernales Rice Bake countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I added a bit of cheese on top for extra richness, or swapped out the ground beef for ground turkey for a healthier twist. No matter how I made it, the dish always brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our bellies.

As my children grew older and moved out on their own, they often called me up for the recipe for Pedernales Rice Bake. It had become a staple in their own kitchens, just as it had been in mine. I loved knowing that I had passed on a piece of family tradition to them, just as Mrs. Jenkins had done for me all those years ago.

As I grew older myself, I began to think about the recipe's origins. I had always assumed that Mrs. Jenkins had created it herself, but one day I decided to ask her about its history.

"Oh, dear," she said with a chuckle. "I wish I could take credit for that recipe, but it actually comes from my great-grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and she passed down many delicious recipes to our family."

I was amazed to learn that the Pedernales Rice Bake had been in Mrs. Jenkins' family for so long. It made me appreciate the dish even more, knowing that it had a rich and storied history behind it.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Pedernales Rice Bake for my family and friends. It became a dish that was requested at gatherings and potlucks, and I always felt a sense of pride when I saw how much people enjoyed it.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the memories that this recipe has brought me. From the first time I saw it on that weathered recipe card to the countless times I've made it for my loved ones, the Pedernales Rice Bake will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this wonderful dish, and I am proud to have passed it down to the next generation. It's a recipe that has brought joy and comfort to my family for years, and I know that it will continue to do so for years to come.

In the end, it's not just a recipe for Pedernales Rice Bake – it's a recipe for love, for tradition, and for cherished memories. And that, my dear, is the true magic of cooking.