South Texas Rice

South Texas Rice Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

South Texas Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines rice with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. This dish is a staple in South Texas cuisine and is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

South Texas Rice has its roots in traditional Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines elements of Mexican and American cooking. This dish has been passed down through generations in South Texas and is a beloved favorite among locals.

Ingredients

1 cup of rice
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 small onion (quartered)
1 bell pepper (quartered)
2 cups of chicken stock or 2 cups of water with 2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 16 oz (454 g) can of diced or whole tomatoes
1 tsp of chili powder
1 tsp of garlic salt

How to prepare

In a pan, brown the rice in the oil over low to medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Once the rice is browned, add the onion, bell pepper, chili powder, and garlic salt.
Turn the heat to high and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add the tomatoes and then pour in the chicken stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different vegetables such as corn, peas, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the rice constantly while browning to prevent burning.

- Let the rice stand for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve South Texas Rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or beef, or enjoy it as a main dish topped with avocado and sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for South Texas Rice include browning the rice, simmering the ingredients together, and letting the dish stand to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken bouillon cubes for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

South Texas Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish South Texas Rice with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair South Texas Rice with a crisp salad or fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover South Texas Rice in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of South Texas Rice contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

South Texas Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main source of carbs coming from the rice and vegetables.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in this recipe provides a small amount of healthy fats.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, the chicken bouillon cubes add a small amount of protein to the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

South Texas Rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as gluten from the rice and chicken bouillon cubes.

Summary

South Texas Rice is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

South Texas Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or gathering. With its flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for South Texas Rice. It was a sunny afternoon in the heart of San Antonio, and I had just finished browsing through the local farmer's market. As I strolled past the various vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, my eyes landed on a booth that was selling an assortment of spices and seasonings.

Intrigued, I approached the booth and struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly gentleman with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. As we chatted, he mentioned that he had a special recipe for South Texas Rice that had been passed down through his family for generations.

Eager to learn more, I asked him if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, he agreed, and he began to recount the story of how his great-grandmother had first created the dish.

According to the vendor, his great-grandmother had been a talented cook who loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. One day, while cooking a pot of rice, she decided to add a few extra spices and vegetables to create a dish that was uniquely Texan.

The result was a mouthwatering blend of rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a special mix of spices that gave the dish its signature South Texas flavor. The vendor's great-grandmother had named the dish South Texas Rice, and it had quickly become a favorite among her family and friends.

As the vendor shared the recipe with me, I listened intently, taking notes and mentally picturing the dish coming together in my own kitchen. He explained the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and taking the time to sauté the vegetables and spices before adding the rice and broth.

Armed with the recipe and a newfound excitement, I hurried home to try it out for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and carefully followed the vendor's instructions, savoring the aroma of the spices as they mingled together in the pot.

As the rice cooked, I couldn't resist taking a few bites straight from the pot, eager to taste the finished dish. And when it was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me to the bustling streets of San Antonio and the vibrant culture of South Texas. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain infused with the rich flavors of the spices and vegetables. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and heritage, a taste of the past brought to life in my own kitchen.

Since that day, South Texas Rice has become a staple in my household, a dish that I love to share with family and friends. Each time I make it, I think back to that sunny afternoon at the farmer's market and the kind vendor who shared his family recipe with me.

And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of South Texas Rice, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that brought this delicious dish into my life. It's a recipe that has not only filled my belly but also warmed my heart, reminding me of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.