Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice (GF/DF/VG)

1 can (14.5 oz) undrained diced tomatoes

2-3 cups water or vegetable broth

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 cups short grain brown rice

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1-2 tsp. cumin

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can yellow corn, drained

Cilantro (optional)

1.      Drain tomatoes, reserving liquid. Add enough water or broth to make 3 cups; set aside.

2.      Heat oil in 4-quart heavy saucepan with tight-fitting lid.

3.      Add bell pepper, onion & garlic; saute’ briefly.

4.      Add rice, cayenne and cumin (to taste); stir.

5.      Add the 3 cups reserved liquid.

6.      Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

7.      Add tomatoes.

8.      Cover and continue cooking 20 minutes.

9.      Remove from heat and add beans and corn. Mix gently a little.

10.  Let stand in covered pot for 10 minutes.

      11.  Fluff with fork, salt & cilantro to taste.

Tropical Fruit Salsa

Here's another salsa recipe. It is mango season after all!

3 Tbsp red onion, minced
2 c. pineapple, diced
1 1/2 medium mango or 1 large, diced
2 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
1 1/2 medium jalapeno, seeded & minced
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1. Combine all ingredients
2. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long!)

Corn Salsa

I love a good salsa and this recipe is one of my favorites.

1 cup corn (I've used canned or frozen in the past)
2 med. tomatillos (optional!)*
1 Tbsp. fine diced red onion
1 1/2 tsp. minced jalapeno
2 tsp. lime juice (preferably fresh)
2 tsp. coarsely chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp. honey

Notes:
* I don't usually have tomatillos on hand. But I almost always have the other ingredients, so I rarely use the tomatillos and just use a little more corn.

The great thing about salsas are once you have the flavor combinations, the quantities don't really matter much. So just throw some corn, diced onion, jalapeno (I usually use a whole one chopped and don't measure!), lime juice, cilantro & a bit of honey together, taste it and adjust if needed. Enjoy!