Imagine a dish that feels like a warm hug—comforting yet light, a paradox of sorts. These chicken rice bowls do just that, blending the familiar with a dash of adventure. I tried something similar during a layover in Tokyo, and it sparked a love for quick, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, white wine vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set this aside for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add chopped scallions, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about a minute until softened.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir until the rice is thoroughly warmed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the prepared dressing, toasted chopped pistachios, chopped parsley, and pomegranate arils.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and roasted chickpeas if desired. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked long grain white, brown, or wild rice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ? cup toasted, chopped pistachios
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ? cup fresh mint leaves
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Roasted chickpeas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
FAQ
- How can I cook perfect brown rice without a rice cooker?
- To achieve fluffy, tender brown rice every time, start with rinsing the rice under cold water. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- What is a simple way to prepare cilantro lime rice at home?
- You can easily make cilantro lime rice by cooking your choice of rice and then mixing it with chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and a bit of salt. This zesty rice can be a great side dish or a base for burrito bowls.
- How can I customize a basic rice pilaf recipe?
- A rice pilaf can be customized by swapping ingredients to suit your taste. Consider using different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, instead of pistachios, or use dried fruits like raisins instead of pomegranate arils. You can also add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
- What are some tips for making sushi at home?
- Rolling sushi can be fun and easy if you have the right tools and ingredients. Use a bamboo mat for rolling, and make sure your rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Fill your sushi rolls with fresh ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and mango for a sweet twist. Don’t worry about perfection; homemade sushi is all about the taste!
- How do you make a veggie burger using rice?
- To create a delicious veggie burger, use freshly cooked short grain brown rice as a binding agent. Combine it with ingredients like chickpeas, nuts, and spices to form patties. The rice helps hold the ingredients together, ensuring a hearty and satisfying burger.
Tips
- Prepare Rice in Advance: Cook your rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This allows for quicker assembly when you’re ready to make your dish.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have available. If you don’t have pomegranate arils, try using dried fruit or other nuts instead of pistachios.
- Perfect Your Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh mint and parsley for a burst of flavor and freshness. They add a vibrant touch to the dish, making it more aromatic and visually appealing.
Equipment
- Sushi Rolling Mat – Essential for rolling sushi, this bamboo mat helps shape the sushi rolls.
- Rice Cooker – While not absolutely necessary, a rice cooker can make cooking perfect rice easier and more consistent.
- Wok – Useful for stir-fries and Asian-inspired rice dishes.
- Immersion Blender – Useful for blending soups directly in the pot, such as the creamy wild rice soup.
- High-Quality Chef’s Knife – Essential for chopping vegetables and other ingredients finely and efficiently.
- Mandoline Slicer – Helps in slicing vegetables thinly for garnishes or salads.
- Mortar and Pestle – Useful for grinding spices, which is especially handy for recipes like curries.
