Rice > Savory Rice > Red Rice

Red Rice with Bacon and Jalapeños Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of long-grain red rice
- 2 cups of water
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the red rice in cold water and drain.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño pepper to the saucepan. Cook until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
6. Add the red rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the bacon and onion mixture.
7. Add the water to the saucepan and stir to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
9. Simmer the rice for 20-25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
11. Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking the bacon and vegetables, low heat for simmering the rice.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 450mg
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use regular long-grain rice instead of red rice.
- If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or omit it altogether.
- You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead of regular bacon.
- If you don't have jalapeño peppers, you can use a milder pepper or omit it altogether.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes to the saucepan with the bacon and vegetables for a tomato-flavored rice.
- Add cooked black beans to the rice for a protein boost.
- Add chopped cilantro to the rice for a fresh flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to rinse the red rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the rice to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Let the rice sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the rice in a bowl or on a plate with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Pairings:
This rice dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a side of beans.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is still crunchy after simmering for 25 minutes, add a little bit more water and continue to cook until the rice is tender.
- If the rice is too wet after cooking, remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the bacon and vegetables to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Red rice is a traditional dish in many cultures, including Cajun and Creole cuisine in Louisiana and Spanish cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
This rice dish has a smoky, spicy flavor from the bacon, jalapeño pepper, and smoked paprika.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this rice dish as a side dish or as a main dish with a protein and a side of vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Smoky, Spicy, Tangy