Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice

Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of tomatoes and soy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of sweet and sour flavors has its roots in Chinese cuisine, but this recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz or 227 g) sliced pineapple (in unsweetened juice)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups diagonally sliced celery
1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1 package (12 oz or 340 g) frankfurters, cut into thirds
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz or 454 g) tomatoes (2 cups)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp seasoned pepper
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice. Cut each slice into 8 pieces.
In a pan, cook the onion, celery, green pepper, and franks in butter until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the tomatoes, pineapple and juice, broth, mustard, ginger, garlic salt, and seasoned pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, blend the brown sugar, cornstarch, and sauce.
Add the mixture to the frankfurter mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened and clear, for about 2 minutes.
Serve the mixture over beds of fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the franks for a different protein option.
Add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and texture.
Use different vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables and franks until they are tender-crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Be sure to blend the brown sugar, cornstarch, and soy sauce mixture well to avoid any lumps in the sauce.

- Serve the dish over hot cooked rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the vegetables and franks in a hot pan to maintain their crispness.

- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch to create a glossy and flavorful coating for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and franks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the vegetables and fruits used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens from the soy sauce and franks. It may also contain gluten from the soy sauce and cornstarch.

Summary

Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for a meal.

Summary

Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day many years ago when I stumbled upon the recipe for Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of simmering spices and savory meats.

Margaret welcomed me with a warm smile and a hug, and I could tell that she had something special cooking that day. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Margaret revealed that she was in the process of making one of her favorite dishes - Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice. Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, I asked if I could watch and learn how to make it myself.

Margaret was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and as she guided me through the steps, I was amazed by her attention to detail and her deep knowledge of the ingredients. She explained that the key to the dish was finding the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, and that the secret ingredient was a splash of apple cider vinegar.

As we cooked together, I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly combined the ingredients, tasting and adjusting along the way until she achieved the perfect harmony of flavors. The sweet and tangy sauce that she created was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

After hours of cooking and simmering, the Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice was finally ready. Margaret served up generous portions of the dish, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of delicious flavors and comforting warmth. The tender franks were bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that was perfectly complemented by the fluffy white rice. It was a meal that I would never forget.

As I savored each bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. Margaret graciously wrote down the recipe for me, and I promised to make it for my family as soon as I returned home.

Over the years, I have made Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice countless times, each time bringing back memories of that special day in Margaret's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to new generations.

The recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen, a comforting reminder of the time spent with dear friends and the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques. I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this wonderful dish, and I will always cherish the memory of learning how to make Sweet and Sour Franks with Rice for the first time.