C.J. Wright’s Spicy Lentils

by Mrs Marvel

I don’t have much experience with lentils but I know they are often a delicious addition to soups and side dishes. They can take on many lovely flavors and be used as a vegetarian option – we once made delicious lentil stuffed empanadas. It’s unfortunate that the edge of the recipe was cut off completely – it’s just not there at all. But it looks fairly straightforward and we can surmise what’s missing. This recipe is going to have a bit of a kick if you like it, or you can sub paprika for the cayenne pepper. Note, it calls for cumin seeds, but you could sub ground cumin if you don’t have them. Reduce the amount by half at least and go by your taste preference.

C.J. Wright’s Spicy Lentils

1 cup dried lentils

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Dash sesame oil

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 medium onion, minced

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Ground coriander

In medium saucepan combine lentils, water, salt, turmeric, cayenne and sesame oil. Simmer covered until tender, about 45 minutes.

Melt butter in small skillet, add minced onion and cumin seeds – cook until onion is tender. Add to lentils and sprinkle lightly with coriander. Simmer a few minutes longer to blend flavors. Serve as a side dish with lamb or other meats. Makes 2 (cups?).

Chicken Fried Rice

by Mrs Marvel

We love fried rice in my house – it’s quick and so easy to make as a side dish or as the main meal. The secret is to salt and pepper in between every step. I use left over rice because we make rice quite often for our other meals. I even have a fancy Japanese rice cooker my family gave me for Christmas one year, but cooking rice on the stove is super easy as well. If you are intimidated by cooking rice, start small and work your way up to bigger portions. The key is slow and easy. On this fried rice recipe, I’d add sesame seeds and some scrambled eggs. Another egg option is to cook an egg over easy, then lay it on top of the serving of fried rice. The soft yolk will make a lovely sauce in the rice once broken.

Chicken Fried Rice

1 c chopped cooked chicken

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbls soy sauce

Let stand 15 min (I think cook the chicken with the salt & soy sauce, then let stand to cool?)

2 cups raw rice

1/3 c oil

350 in electric skillet until brown, stir

Reduct heat to simmer

Add chicken & 2 1/2 c bouillon – cover and cook 15-25 minutes

Moderate oven (???)

1/4 c green onions

1/4 green pepper (chopped)

1/4 c celery

Cook uncovered a few minutes until…there’s nothing on the back of the card!

Rice – Paella – Excellent

by Mrs Marvel

Paella is a traditional dish from Spain, well known for having rich flavors and variations. They can be different based on the region of Spain you are in or where the recipe came from. Most typically are seasoned with saffron. These days, saffron is sold in little capsules of a few threads each. This recipe calls for a pinch and I’d probably try grinding up one or two capsules until you get the flavor you like. Many paella recipe call for meats and seafood, so customize this how you like.

Rice – Paella – Excellent

1 c rice

2 c water or boullion

1/2 can tomato sauce

1 med onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

Pinch saffron

Dash cayenne

1/2 tsp sugar

Brown rice (this could possibly mean to brown the rice in oil)

1 2 Tbls oil, add onion, garlic, seasoning. Add hot liquids, cook around 20 min. Add 1 package ? mushrooms. Add parmesan cheese.

Brown Rice Burgers

by Mrs Marvel

Not sure what to have for dinner and looking for something different? This might be the way to go. With the exception of the eggs, they are a vegetarian item. There may be a substitution you can use for the binding agent to make this a fully vegetarian item – I’m not familiar though. They could also just taste good but I haven’t tried them yet.

Brown Rice Burgers

Saute 1 large chopped onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup finely chopped water chestnuts & 1/2 c diced green pepper – 10 minutes. Add 1/2 c minced parsley, 4 cups cooked brown rice, 2 c grated carrots, 2 large eggs, 1 c whole wheat flour, salt, pepper to taste. Shape into burger and fry.

Green Rice (Mexican)

by Mrs Marvel

There is a local restaurant that serves green rice, but I don’t think it’s this type. This particular recipe may benefit from the addition of cilantro – it’s your preference. I’d probably top it with cilantro at least. You may also want to replace the Jack cheese with asadero or queso fresco, which are equally mild Mexican cheeses. Serve this up along side a taco or enchilada (or both!) and it would be a delicious meal!

Green Rice (Mexican)

Heat 1/4 c oil, add 1 c rice & fry til gold. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 clove garlic, 3 green peppers finely chopped or poblano chili. Cook stirring often until tender but not brown. Add 2 1/2 c hot chicken stock or bullion. Cook until done. Sprinkle with 1/2 c grated Jack cheese.