Stevie's Portuguese Rice

Portuguese Rice Recipe | Stevie's Authentic Recipe

Region / culture: Portugal | Servings: 6

Introduction

Stevie's Portuguese Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines brown rice with lean ground turkey and a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. The combination of rice, ground turkey, and tomato sauce is a classic in Portuguese cooking, and this dish puts a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

2.75 cups water
2 tsp olive oil
0.25 tsp salt
1.25 cups brown rice
2 lb (907 g) lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 x 28 oz (794 g) cans peeled tomatoes, chopped with juice
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can tomato sauce
1 tsp hot red pepper sauce, or to taste
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water, the oil, and salt to a boil over high heat.
Add the brown rice, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered for about 50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
Drain the rice if necessary, and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the ground turkey, chopped onion, and garlic over medium heat for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey loses its pink color.
Stir in the tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce, hot pepper sauce, oregano, and black pepper.
Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes.
Stir in the cooked brown rice, simmer for an additional 5 minutes, and serve immediately.

Variations

You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add in some chopped chorizo or smoked sausage for a smoky and spicy kick.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add in some extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the brown rice until it is tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking the rice can result in a mushy texture.

- For extra flavor, you can add in some chopped bell peppers or olives to the tomato sauce mixture.

- Adjust the amount of hot red pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can always add more or less depending on how spicy you like your food.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stevie's Portuguese Rice with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top it with some fresh herbs or grated cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Stevie's Portuguese Rice is to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm. This will ensure that the rice has a nice texture and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the tomato sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown rice, you can use white rice or quinoa instead. You can also use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice and tomato sauce mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the tomato sauce and mix in the cooked rice.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stevie's Portuguese Rice in a large serving dish and garnish with some fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Stevie's Portuguese Rice pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Stevie's Portuguese Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Stevie's Portuguese Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stevie's Portuguese Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stevie's Portuguese Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Stevie's Portuguese Rice contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stevie's Portuguese Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and onion, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Stevie's Portuguese Rice is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Stevie's Portuguese Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a mix of lean ground turkey, brown rice, and a zesty tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a rainy day in Lisbon, Portugal, and I was wandering the streets, browsing through the local markets and admiring the colorful buildings that lined the cobblestone streets. As I passed by a small café, I caught a whiff of something delicious wafting through the air. Intrigued, I followed my nose and found myself standing in front of a bustling kitchen where a chef was busy cooking up a storm.

I watched in awe as he effortlessly moved around the kitchen, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to his dishes. His hands moved with such precision and grace, it was like watching a dance. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he plated up a steaming bowl of rice that looked and smelled absolutely divine.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I mustered up the courage to approach the chef and ask him about the dish he was preparing. He smiled warmly at me and introduced himself as Stevie, the owner of the café. He explained that what he was making was his signature dish - Portuguese Rice. He went on to tell me that it was a traditional recipe passed down through generations in his family, and he was happy to share it with me.

I eagerly accepted his offer and watched intently as he guided me through the process of making the dish. He explained that the key to a good Portuguese Rice was in the ingredients - quality rice, fresh vegetables, and a secret blend of spices that he had learned from his grandmother. As I followed his instructions, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple yet flavorful the dish was.

After a few hours of cooking and stirring, the Portuguese Rice was finally ready. Stevie plated up a generous serving for me, and I took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender rice, the savory vegetables, and the aromatic spices all came together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Stevie must have seen the delight in my eyes because he offered to teach me the recipe in more detail. I eagerly accepted his offer and spent the next few days by his side, learning the ins and outs of making Portuguese Rice. He taught me how to select the best ingredients, how to sauté the vegetables just right, and how to season the dish to perfection.

As I honed my skills in the kitchen, Stevie shared stories of his childhood in Portugal and the memories he associated with the dish. He told me about lazy summer afternoons spent helping his grandmother in the kitchen, about family gatherings where everyone gathered around a steaming pot of Portuguese Rice, and about the joy he felt whenever he cooked the dish for his customers.

With each passing day, my love for Portuguese Rice grew stronger. I found myself experimenting with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist here and there while still staying true to the traditional flavors that Stevie had taught me. I even started serving the dish at family gatherings and dinner parties, much to the delight of my loved ones.

Years went by, and my friendship with Stevie flourished. We shared many more meals together, swapped recipes, and laughed over shared memories. He became like a mentor to me, guiding me not just in the kitchen but in life as well. And through it all, Portuguese Rice remained a constant in our lives - a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the bond we shared.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Portuguese Rice for my family, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back. The sights, sounds, and smells of that rainy day in Lisbon remain etched in my mind, a reminder of how a chance encounter with a kind-hearted chef changed the course of my culinary journey.

And as I take my first bite of the dish that started it all - Stevie's Portuguese Rice - I am filled with gratitude for the recipe, the friendship, and the love that have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. For that, I will always be thankful. And for that, I will always cherish the memories of that fateful day in Lisbon.