Sweet Pepper Rice

Sharon123's Note:

This colorful rice is perfect for a Mexican meal. The rice takes on the warm essence of sweet peppers, onions, and paprika as they slowly simmer together. Cayenne adds heat, but for a spicier version, include a diced jalapeno chili or two. This also makes a nice filling for bell peppers. Adapted from Field of Greens cookbook by Annie Somerville. I f you do use brown basmati rice, you may need to cook it a little longer, check pkg. directions)

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 3.0 cups

• 1 cup basmati rice (I like to use brown basmati)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
• 1 -2 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or veg. broth)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (or yellow pepper) (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 -3 tablespoons cilantro, coarsely chopped (or parsley)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice well. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet that has a tight fitting lid. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoons salt; saute over medium heat about 5 mins., until the onion is soft. Add the garlic and wine(or veg. broth) and cook 1-2 minutes , until the pan is nearly dry. Follow with the bell peppers(and chlies if using), 1/2 teaspoons salt, paprika, and a few pinches of cayenne, and the black pepper. Stir in the drained rice and saute with the onions and peppers until heated through, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour the boiling water over, making sure that is the rice is covered. When the water returns to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover the pan and cook until rice is tender, just under 20 mins.(longer for brown rice).
4. Gently stir in the cilantro and serve. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Boomette]

This rice is so good. I didn't use salt. The color is great. I used a red bell pepper and dry white wine. I didn't use cilantro/parsley. We liked it that way. Even my son liked it. It was very easy to do. Thanks Sharon :) Made for 123 hit wonders

[UmmBinat]

Very tasty. I used white Basmati rice, a good extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, to taste, homemade chicken stock in place of the dry white wine, orange bell pepper, freshly ground black pepper, fresh cilantro, plus the rest of the ingredients. I did not boil my water before adding it to the rice. I cooked the amount of time I usually do for the rice I was using which was not 20 minutes, then turned off the heat and left it covered at least 5 minutes before serving as I always do. Made for Veggie Swap 36 ~ July 2011.

[AZPARZYCH]

Great rice! I was surprised DH liked it as much as he did since he does not really like peppers, but I diced them really small so the flavor blended better. I used chicken stock instead of wine, and dried herbs. Will be making this again. Made for ZWT8.