Cuisine: Rice
Chicken Biryani
In a traditional chicken biryani, richly spiced and perfectly fluffy basmati rice is lavished with butter and studded with dried fruit. The saffron-and-spice-infused rice is layered with sauced chicken, and the two are cooked together before being topped with fried onions and chopped herbs. However, it takes time to develop deep flavor by steeping whole spices and cooking the components in stages. This version, uses chunks of boneless chicken thighs and skipped the lengthy marinating. The onion is sautéed instead of deep-frying and then the chicken is browned in the same skillet. This dish is garnished with fried onion, fresh mint and cilantro, and an herby yogurt sauce.
By - Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Maitake Wild Rice Salad
Maitake mushrooms sometimes called Hen-of-the-Woods, or "dancing mushrooms" in Japan, are found at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks or maples. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other health conditions. Maitake also has a positive effect on overall immunity. This Maitake Wild Rice Salad uses walnuts, which pair well with the nutty wild rice. I actually used a wild rice blend which is finished with lemon juice.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food. Comfort food can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s generally synonymous with cold weather. It's made with ground beef, and rice, wrapped in cabbage and topped with crushed tomatoes. The whole dish can be made ahead and finished off in the oven when ready to serve.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Lemony Shrimp Risotto
I made this Lemony Shrimp Risotto in my Instant Pot, but have also included the stovetop instructions. I have to say, I love making risotto in the Instant Pot because it's fast and you don't have to stand there and stir it. The lemon adds a bright and tangy note to the shrimp.
- Yields: 4 Servings
Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice
I had some chicken legs leftover and searched for something interesting to do with them. I found this recipe for Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice. Although it seems like a long list of ingredients, it's rather easy to prepare. The spicy Gochujang paste gives it the perfect amount of heat. The crispy rice is mixed with spices, made into patties, and fried. My husband thought the sauce should be thicker, which can be achieved by taking the drumsticks out of the pan and whisking in some cornstarch.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Herby Buttered Mushrooms and Wild Rice
Mushrooms have a "meaty" texture and a strong umami flavor. Umami is the fifth basic taste and was discovered by a Japanese scientist. Umami in Japanese means “a pleasant savory taste." Herby Buttered Mushrooms and Wild Rice is a delicious satisfying dish. The earthy, nutty flavor of the wild rice marries well with the buttery mushrooms.
- Yields: 4 Servings
Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan
As most of you know, I love risotto. I made this Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan, which is delicious. Roasting the cherry tomatoes adds a depth of flavor. You could also use these tomatoes for pasta. Make sure you boil the water in advance. You may not have to use all of the boiling water; the last ½ cup is for adjusting the consistency of the risotto at the end, if needed.It's also important to stir the risotto vigorously, which coaxes starch from the rice for a creamier consistency.
- Yields: 4 Servings
Risotto à la Carbonara
My family is obsessed with carbonara. It's one of the things we make when there's "nothing to eat". I have made many different versions of carbonara, which apparently really pisses off some Italians. The New York Times cooked up the controversy in Italy after tinkering with the recipe for the classic Roman dish pasta carbonara. There is also Carbonara wars: why Italy is right to be mad about a French farfalle travesty. Clearly, I do not care and always "tinker" with my damned carbonara! So I made this Risotto à la Carbonara in my Instant Pot (I have also included the stovetop version). All I can say is that I saw my guest's eyes roll back in there head. It's just that good.
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Mushroom Risotto with Peas & Spinach
I often make Mushroom Risotto, but this time, I added peas and spinach at the very end. I actually made it in the Instant Pot, which is super easy and doesn't involve all the stirring. I included both instructions if you want to make it on the stovetop.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Coconut Miso Salmon Curry
This Coconut Miso Salmon Curry is a recipe from The York Times. It actually has no curry powder in it. It's very quick to prepare and is full of flavor. I served it on a bed of Jasmine rice.
- Yields: 4 Servings
