Get ready to unleash a burst of color and flavor with the most exciting rice dish you've ever encountered! Calico Rice isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary rice into a stunning, nutrient-packed masterpiece. Imagine a plate that looks like an artist's palette, with bright bell peppers, sweet peas, and perfectly cooked rice that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the rice.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil, stirring once to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for about 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables by dicing the bell peppers and onions into small, uniform pieces.
- After the rice has cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and create a fluffy texture.
- Uncover the rice and gently fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and frozen peas to the rice. Gently fold the vegetables into the rice, allowing the residual heat to slightly warm the vegetables.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve the Calico Rice hot as a colorful and nutritious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinsing is crucial! Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when cooking to trap steam and ensure perfectly fluffy rice.
- Let the rice rest after cooking – this extra 5 minutes makes all the difference in texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water.
- Experiment with different colored bell peppers to make your Calico Rice even more visually appealing.
- If you want to add protein, try mixing in some diced chicken or tofu.
- Fresh vegetables can be substituted for frozen, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a slight crunch, toast the rice in a bit of butter before adding water.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
