Cuisine: Rice

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.

By Leslie Blythe

  • 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.

By Leslie Blythe

  • 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. 

By Leslie Blythe

  • 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.

By Leslie Blythe

  • 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.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Tomato Risotto

I saw this recipe last Friday in The New York Times. Since I had some fresh tomatoes from the garden, I decided to make this Tomato Risotto. Tomato Risotto is so good with a sprinkling of parmesan and fresh basil. 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. There's nothing like summer tomatoes picked fresh from your garden.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Serving

Prawn & Orange Curry With Basmati Rice

This recipe for Prawn & Orange Curry With Basmati Rice is from Nadiya Hussain, who is one of my favorite chefs. She won the sixth series of BBC's The Great British Bake Off in 2015. She has a show on Netflix called Nadiya’s Time to Eat. Everything she makes has an interesting and brilliant twist. The prawn curry with orange zest and juice has wonderful flavor and it's quick to make.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 2 - 3 Servings

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole

Over the years, I have had many personal chef clients. I cook many different meals and package them up for the freezer. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole is something I made recently. This can also be made in one large casserole and it freezes really well.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

I had some ground beef I needed to use and made these Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but it was seriously good. I happened to have all the ingredients and also made Bibimbap Sauce to drizzle over the top. You could add some cooked broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc. It's quick to make. This recipe is the cheater version because it uses ground beef, unlike the more traditional Bulgogi.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Orange Ginger Rice

Living in Southern California, we are lucky to have a plethora of citrus trees. I am always trying to figure out how to use the oranges on our tree. This Orange Ginger Rice is so good. It's cooked with shallots, orange juice & zest, ginger, golden raisins and has loads of flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings