Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Bluff Mountain Rice

Lately, I have seen a lot of TV cooks browning small pieces of vermicelli in olive oil prior to cooking the rice.  The browned pasta gives the cooked rice a nutty flavor.  I wanted to try this so bad, but if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I have a rice handicap.  I can't cook rice in a pot or pan to save my like.  I have to use a rice cooker.  Sadly, rice is my unicorn.

I formulated what ingredients I would use if I cook cook rice like most people.  I plotted and plunder of how this could possibly work using the rice cooker.  After a glass or two of some really good pinot noir, I did it!  Yes, I did and oh my!!!  My rice came out perfect! Light, fluffy, separate grains, oh happy day!

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup vermicelli, broken into one-inch lengths
2 cups rice
3 slices prosciutto, chopped
1 cup rough chopped yellow onion
1/2 red bell pepper, rough chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 cup vermouth or white wine
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper



In a large high-sided skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add in the vermicelli and rice and saute until lightly browned.



Add in the prosciutto and saute for about 2 to 3  minutes.



Add in the onion and bell pepper and saute for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute, then deglaze the skillet with the vermouth or  white wine.




Pour in the chicken stock, bring mixture to a boil.  Lower heat to low, cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and the rice is cooked.



 Adjust seasonings if needed.

The toasted pasta really livens up the rice!


11 comments:

  1. I brown in my rice cooker! Just turn it on with some oil in it and give it some time to heat up. Then after browning, add the rest of the ingredients and either reset or just close the lid and continue cooking.

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  2. Your rice looks wonderful. I remember seeing Rice A Roni with vermicelli in it!!!

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  3. That sounds so good Katherine. I browned rice and have never tried anything other than rice-a-roni. I will give this a whirl.

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  4. that's what I was thinkin....but, a better version of rice-a-roni

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  5. I saw Tyler Florence cook rice on Food Network once like pasta, just boil in a pot of water and then drain with a sieve colander after 10-12 minutes... just like pasta. Comes out perfect, all separate to use immediately or put in fridge to cool and then use all week. It's my favorite way to fix rice, even though I have a rice cooker!

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  6. If my husband knew all your recipes, he'd leave me for your cooking!

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  7. ooh yum, what amazing flavors, this looks awesome!

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  8. This is perfection Katherine! I remember my Mom making the rice-a-roni with vermicelli in it. We always loved it. I don't think I'd be brave enough to make it myself - great job.

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  9. My first visit to your site! I love this recipe. Everything looks great.

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  10. Like Debbie, the vermicelli reminds me of rice a roni but obviously yours is a million times better. I'll have to try this with my next pilaf.

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Thanks for stopping by, I enjoy reading your comments.

Katherine