New-and-improved Spanish Rice and Stuffed Peppers

A while back, we posted about some Spanish rice we had made, but we didn't give specifics and we weren't super impressed with the result.  But last night, we found an awesome version of the two.

Well, *I* thought that they were awesome.  Carmen's nose was on strike, so she wasn't sure.

Spanish Rice

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs Vegetable Oil
• 1 onion (yellow or red), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeno, chopped (Larger = spicier)
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Drained and rinsed)
• 2 Tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Cumin

Directions: In a deep pan, heat Vegetable Oil to low heat and add Onion, Garlic, and Jalapeno and saute for a few minutes (The mixture should become very fragrant).  Increase heat to medium and add rice.  Continue to saute until rice is brown. Add water/broth, tomatoes, Chili Powder, and cumin.  Mix thoroughly.  Bring to a gentle simmer, and let simmer on lowest setting until water is entirely absorbed and rice is cooked (took about 15 minutes for me).


By itself, this was pretty good.  Very flavorful, and just the right amount of kick.  But then we raised the stakes.


Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• Spanish Rice (See Above)
• Bell Pepper(s)
• Shredded Cheese (cheddar or colby-jack)
• Black Beans
• Ground Beef, cooked, seasoned (optional)

Directions:  Carefully cut out the stem of the bell pepper (after washing!) and remove the core and seeds.  Mix the rest of the stuff together (ratios are all on you!), and ram them all into the pepper (don't be shy about really stuffing the pepper).  Cover the top of the pepper with cheese.  Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes.  Enjoy.

This was just heavenly.  We had some sour cream on the side that we added at our leisure, but feel free to make that part of the mix (at the risk of making your rice soggy).  I wouldn't change much about this recipe, but we'll have to wait until Carmen's nose is working so she can pass judgment.  For she is the queen of Mexican Food.