Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa

Mexican Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa Recipe

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa is a delicious and unique appetizer that combines the flavors of creamy avocado, zesty salsa, and cheesy rice cups. This recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a tasty snack.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavors. The combination of rice cups, guacamole, and salsa creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

3 cups of hot cooked rice
0.5 cup (2 oz or 57 g) of shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
1 tsp of ground cumin
0.25 tsp of ground red pepper
1 tsp of salt, divided
vegetable cooking spray
2 ripe avocados
2 tbsp of lime juice
0.25 cup of finely minced cilantro
0.25 cup of finely minced onion
0.25 cup of prepared salsa
0.25 cup of sour cream
cilantro leaves

How to prepare

Combine rice, cheese, cumin, red pepper, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Press firmly and evenly into mini-muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes. Remove from pans and allow to cool to room temperature.
Mash avocados with a fork in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with lime juice. Add cilantro, onion, salsa, sour cream, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Blend well. Fill each rice cup with guacamole and top with a sprig of fresh cilantro.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the guacamole for extra freshness.
Top the rice cups with cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
Substitute the cheddar and parmesan cheese with your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the rice mixture firmly into the mini-muffin tins to ensure that the cups hold their shape.

- Allow the rice cups to cool completely before filling them with guacamole to prevent them from becoming soggy.

- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of ground red pepper in the rice mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa as an appetizer at your next party or as a tasty snack for a movie night.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the rice cups in mini-muffin tins ensures that they hold their shape and have a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter guacamole.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice cups in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with guacamole just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the rice cups on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa with a refreshing cucumber mint cooler or a classic margarita for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rice cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the lime juice and cilantro, as well as potassium and healthy fats from the avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa is a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With a crispy rice cup base, creamy guacamole filling, and zesty salsa topping, this dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy this recipe at your next gathering or as a delicious snack any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited a friend over for lunch. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that my mother had passed down to me, I stumbled upon this unique and colorful dish.

The recipe caught my eye immediately, with its vibrant green guacamole and spicy red salsa nestled in individual rice cups. I could already imagine the flavors melding together in each bite, creating a burst of freshness and heat in my mouth. I knew I had to give it a try.

I read through the ingredients list and instructions carefully, taking mental notes of each step. The recipe seemed simple enough, but I could tell that the combination of flavors would be anything but ordinary. I was excited to experiment with something new and bold in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients, making sure to select the ripest avocados and juiciest tomatoes for the guacamole and salsa. I boiled the rice until it was perfectly cooked, then molded it into small cups using a muffin tin. As the rice cups cooled, I prepared the guacamole by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and a hint of garlic. The aroma of the fresh ingredients filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I diced up tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for the salsa, adding a splash of vinegar and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor. The colors of the ingredients popped against each other, creating a beautiful and appetizing mix. I couldn't wait to spoon the salsa into the rice cups, topping them off with a dollop of creamy guacamole.

As I assembled the dish, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to the flavors and techniques that made it special. From my grandmother's traditional meatloaf to my aunt's secret apple pie recipe, each dish held a piece of my family history.

I thought about the countless hours I had spent in the kitchen, learning and perfecting each recipe that had been passed down to me. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to share stories and laughter over a delicious meal. And now, as I placed the finished rice cups on the table in front of my friend, I knew that this dish would be no exception.

My friend's eyes widened with excitement as she took her first bite of the Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa. The flavors exploded in her mouth, the creamy avocado mixing perfectly with the tangy salsa and fluffy rice. She couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, asking for the recipe so she could make it at home.

As we sat at the table, enjoying our meal and sharing stories, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This dish, with its unique blend of flavors and textures, had brought us closer together in a way that only food can. It was a testament to the power of cooking, of sharing recipes and memories with those we love.

And as I watched my friend savor each bite of the Rice Cups with Guacamole and Salsa, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection. It would join the ranks of my grandmother's meatloaf and my aunt's apple pie, a cherished memory that I would pass down to future generations.

I smiled as I took a bite of the dish, savoring the bold flavors that danced on my tongue. This recipe, with its colorful and fresh ingredients, reminded me once again of the joy and connection that cooking can bring. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by good food and good company, I knew that I would always treasure the memories and flavors of this special dish.