Plantation Rice

Plantation Rice Recipe - Long-Grain White Rice with Bacon, Onion, and Pecans

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Plantation Rice is a classic Southern dish that combines the flavors of bacon, pecans, and onions with fluffy white rice. This dish is perfect for a comforting side dish or a hearty main course.

History

Plantation Rice has its roots in the American South, where it was traditionally served on plantations as a hearty and flavorful dish. The combination of bacon, pecans, and onions adds a rich and savory flavor to the rice, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

8 slices of bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans
1.25 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tsp of salt
2.25 cups of cold water
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

In a large pan, sauté the bacon until it is almost crisp.
Add the onions and sauté them lightly. Remove the bacon and onions from the pan and set them aside, but leave 2 tbsp of grease in the pan. Add the butter to the pan.
Sauté the pecans over medium heat. Remove the pecans and set them aside.
Add the rice and salt to the pan, making sure to coat them well. Add the cold water and stir, bringing it to a boil.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir in the bacon, onions, pecans, and parsley.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute the pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Use brown rice or wild rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is almost crisp to ensure that it adds a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Sautéing the pecans in butter adds a rich and nutty flavor to the rice.

- Stirring in fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Plantation Rice can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or pork chops. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a main course.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Plantation Rice is to sauté the bacon and onions until they are lightly browned, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. Be sure to stir the rice well to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can substitute them with almonds or walnuts. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Plantation Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Plantation Rice in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle extra pecans on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Plantation Rice pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or steak. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Plantation Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Plantation Rice contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Plantation Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is also high in fats, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Plantation Rice contains around 8 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Plantation Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying comfort food option.

Summary

Plantation Rice is a classic Southern dish that is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. With its combination of bacon, pecans, and onions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Plantation Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm in the South. My mother had always been a fantastic cook, and she passed down her love of cooking to me. One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I came across a faded piece of paper with the words "Plantation Rice" scrawled across the top.

Curious, I asked my mother about the recipe. She told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. It was a staple dish on the plantations where my ancestors had worked as slaves. The recipe had been adapted and changed over the years, but the essence of it remained the same.

Excited to try my hand at making this traditional dish, I set to work gathering the ingredients. The recipe called for simple, humble ingredients that were readily available on the farm - rice, onions, bell peppers, and a few spices. As I chopped and sautéed the vegetables, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that reminded me of home.

I followed the recipe carefully, adding the rice and water to the pot and letting it simmer slowly on the stove. As the rice cooked, I could feel a sense of connection to my ancestors who had made this dish before me. I imagined them working in the hot sun, preparing meals for their families with love and care.

When the rice was finally ready, I scooped it into a bowl and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the sweetness of the onions, the crunch of the bell peppers, and the warmth of the spices. It was a truly delicious dish, one that I knew I would make again and again.

As I grew older, I continued to perfect the recipe for Plantation Rice. I added my own touches, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of my ancestors.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a staple dish at family gatherings and special occasions, a reminder of our shared history and heritage.

Now, as I sit here, a grandmother myself, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of women who came before me and passed down this recipe. It is a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions of my ancestors, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will learn to make Plantation Rice and pass it down to future generations. It is a simple dish, but one that carries with it a rich history and a deep sense of love. And for that, I am truly grateful.