Rice and Pears Mediterranean

Rice and Pears Mediterranean Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice and Pears Mediterranean is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pears with the savory flavors of curry and rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe has Mediterranean origins and is inspired by the flavors of the region. Pears are a popular fruit in Mediterranean cuisine, and when paired with rice and curry, they create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of finely chopped celery
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
3 cup of cooked rice
0.5 tsp of curry powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 cup of dry white wine
6 canned pear halves
curry powder (optional)
0.25 cup of mint or currant jelly

How to prepare

Cook the celery and onion in butter in a large skillet over medium heat until they become soft but not brown.
Stir in the rice, curry, salt, and wine, and heat it thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Place the pears on top, with the cut sides facing up. Optionally, sprinkle some additional curry powder on the pears.
Spoon the jelly into the centers of the pears. Broil them.
Once the jelly melts, spread it over the pears and continue cooking until the pears become glazed.

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Substitute the currant jelly with apricot or peach preserves for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the celery and onion until they are soft but not brown to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

- Adding a splash of dry white wine adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Broiling the pears with jelly creates a beautiful glaze and enhances the sweetness of the fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice and Pears Mediterranean as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing the celery and onion, broiling the pears with jelly, and ensuring the rice is heated thoroughly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have currant jelly, you can use any other fruit preserves or jelly for a similar effect.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice and vegetable mixture ahead of time and assemble the dish just before broiling the pears for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rice and Pears Mediterranean on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the pears and curry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 Rice and Pears Mediterranean contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice and pears providing energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The margarine in this recipe adds a small amount of fat, which helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, you can easily add a protein source such as grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, while celery provides vitamins K and A. This dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of vitamins and minerals into your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to use a dairy-free margarine if you have a dairy allergy.

Summary

Overall, Rice and Pears Mediterranean is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice and Pears Mediterranean is a delicious and unique dish that combines the sweetness of pears with savory curry and rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny day in the heart of summer, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling streets of a Mediterranean town. As I walked past the charming cafes and colorful markets, the aroma of exotic spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

I stumbled upon a quaint little shop tucked away in a narrow alleyway, its sign bearing the words "Antonio's Mediterranean Delights." Intrigued, I pushed open the creaky door and was greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. Shelves lined with jars of olives, bottles of olive oil, and bags of fragrant herbs adorned the walls, while a display case showcased an array of mouthwatering pastries and desserts.

I was drawn to a corner of the shop where an elderly man with twinkling eyes was busy chopping pears and simmering a pot of rice on a stove. The tantalizing scent of caramelized sugar and cinnamon wafted towards me, and I couldn't resist asking him what he was cooking.

With a chuckle, the man introduced himself as Antonio and explained that he was making a traditional Mediterranean dish called Rice and Pears. He shared that the recipe had been passed down through generations in his family, and he was happy to pass it on to me.

Intrigued by the combination of sweet pears and savory rice, I eagerly watched as Antonio expertly layered the ingredients in a baking dish and popped it into the oven. As the dish baked, the flavors melded together, creating a tantalizing aroma that filled the shop.

Finally, Antonio took the steaming dish out of the oven and scooped a generous portion onto a plate for me to try. The first bite was a revelation – the tender, fragrant rice was perfectly complemented by the caramelized pears, warm spices, and a hint of citrus zest. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving for more.

I knew in that moment that I had stumbled upon a culinary gem, a recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my own kitchen. I thanked Antonio profusely for sharing his family's recipe with me and vowed to cherish it for years to come.

Back home, I set to work recreating the Rice and Pears dish in my own kitchen. I carefully measured out the ingredients, following the steps that Antonio had taught me with precision. As the dish baked in the oven, the familiar scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus filled my home, transporting me back to that sunny day in the Mediterranean town.

When the dish was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto a plate and took a hesitant bite. The flavors were just as exquisite as I remembered – the tender rice, caramelized pears, and warm spices combined to create a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

I shared the Rice and Pears Mediterranean recipe with my family and friends, who marveled at the unique combination of flavors and begged for seconds. As I watched them savor each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that I had uncovered a culinary treasure that would bring joy and delight to those I loved.

To this day, whenever I make Rice and Pears Mediterranean, I am transported back to that sunny day in Antonio's shop, where I discovered a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. And as I serve this dish to my loved ones, I can't help but smile at the thought of the generations of cooks who came before me, passing down their culinary traditions and flavors for me to savor and share.