Quick & Easy Basmati Rice

Ever get tired of stressing over making the 'perfect' rice? Well I did. Ages ago I came upon this alternative. Bake your rice - yes bake it, don't boil it! You'll never have to scrub a pan again! 

You'll need to decide what amount fits your or your family's needs. One dried cup of rice = about 6 cups cooked rice. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 c Basmati rice

3 1/2 c water

OR

1 c Basmati rice

1 3/4 c water

Rinse rice at least 4 times in water & drain.

Spatula out your moist rice into cooking casserole dish. I use glass or ceramic. (Don't grease pan!)

Add water & stir gently to even the rice out.

Cover & cook for 45 minutes.

You do not need to check on this rice during your cooking. It will turn out perfect in 45 minutes. 

When reusing the rice the following day, rinse and drain the desired amount of rice before using - this will re-constitute your rice to the tender state.

And enjoy!

Happy Holidays! 

FIESTA TIME!

Simple Vegan Taco Filling

 Begin with: 

3 cups cooked Basmati rice  

12 oz package of Lightlife Smart Ground (Mexican Style) - This is your meat alternative.

1 lg sweet yellow onion

3 cloves garlic

1 green bell pepper

2 large Roma tomatoes

3-4 T olive oil

sea salt

crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne - optional to your liking

Heat oil in skillet.

Add diced onion - saute for 3 minutes until glossy.

Add pressed garlic & saute for another minute.

Add diced green bell pepper.

Mix & saute for another 2-3 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes.

Stir gently & saute for another 2 minutes.

Add salt to taste.

Crumble soy meat before adding.

Stir gently & saute another 3 minutes.

Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like it with extra zing!

Add 2-3 cups cooked Basmati rice.

Gently stir mixture & cook for another 1-2 minutes. 

Voila - finished product!

Enjoy wrapped in a whole-wheat or corn tortilla or taco shell.

*I was inspired to watch Nica Sazon, Esther Lopez from Nicaragua creating her tortillas & fillings. She tops her finished product with a mixture of: shredded green cabbage, salt, tomato & finely diced onion. Her website is at: http://www.mimaseca.com/en/recetas/detalle-video/enchiladas/651