Tomato and Bacon Rice

Tomato and Bacon Rice Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Tomato and Bacon Rice is a delicious and savory dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a larger gathering.

History

The combination of tomatoes and bacon in rice dishes has been a popular choice in many cultures for centuries. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating beef broth for added depth of flavor.

Ingredients

6 slices of bacon, diced
1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of chopped green bell pepper
1 cup of uncooked rice
2 cups of beef broth
0.25 tsp of seasoned pepper
2 tomatoes, cut into eighths

How to prepare

Cook the bacon until it is crisp in a 10-inch skillet. Drain the fat and return 2 tbsp of it back to the skillet.
Add the onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook until they are tender.
Stir in the rice and continue cooking until the rice turns golden. Then, add the broth and pepper.
Heat the mixture until it starts boiling, stirring once or twice. Arrange the tomatoes in the broth.
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.
Fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Add diced mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Stir the rice occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more or less seasoned pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato and Bacon Rice can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Tomato and Bacon Rice is to cook the bacon until it is crisp and to stir the rice occasionally while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute for pork bacon.

- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tomato and Bacon Rice in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tomato and Bacon Rice with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tomato and Bacon Rice 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 Tomato and Bacon Rice contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato and Bacon Rice contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato and Bacon Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato and Bacon Rice contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato and Bacon Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (bacon) and may not be suitable for individuals with pork allergies.

Summary

Tomato and Bacon Rice is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Tomato and Bacon Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a nutritious and delicious choice for a meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Tomato and Bacon Rice. It was many years ago, during my travels through the countryside of Italy. I had always been drawn to the vibrant colors and rich flavors of Italian cuisine, and I was eager to learn as much as I could about the local dishes.

One day, while exploring a small village nestled in the hills of Tuscany, I stumbled upon a quaint little trattoria run by a kind elderly woman named Nonna Maria. Nonna Maria was known throughout the village for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I couldn't resist the temptation to sample her culinary creations.

As I sat at a rustic wooden table in her cozy kitchen, Nonna Maria brought out a steaming pot of Tomato and Bacon Rice. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. Nonna Maria placed a generous portion of the rice on my plate and watched expectantly as I took my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory saltiness of the bacon, and the subtle hint of garlic and herbs. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before, and I was hooked.

I begged Nonna Maria to share her recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. As I watched her expertly chop and sauté the ingredients, I listened intently to her instructions and made mental notes of each step. Nonna Maria's hands moved with the precision and grace of a seasoned chef, and I knew that I was in the presence of a true culinary master.

After enjoying a leisurely meal in Nonna Maria's company, I bid her farewell and set off on my journey with a newfound sense of purpose. I was determined to perfect the recipe for Tomato and Bacon Rice and share it with my family and friends back home.

Over the years, I have made countless batches of Tomato and Bacon Rice, each time adjusting and refining the recipe to suit my own taste. I have added my own personal touch to the dish, incorporating fresh herbs from my garden and experimenting with different varieties of tomatoes and bacon.

I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of Tomato and Bacon Rice from one generation to the next. Each time I make the dish, I am transported back to that rustic kitchen in Tuscany, where I first fell in love with the flavors of Italy.

As I sit at my own kitchen table, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook that I am today. The recipe for Tomato and Bacon Rice will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the time I spent with Nonna Maria and the culinary adventures that have enriched my life.

And so, as I prepare to serve up a piping hot bowl of Tomato and Bacon Rice to my loved ones, I can't help but smile at the thought of the journey that brought me here. The recipe may have originated in a small village in Italy, but it now belongs to me - a part of my own culinary heritage that I will cherish and pass on for years to come.