(no subject)

[serene]

Beginning pantry-food cooking month at the momfood blog (which is syndicated at momfood_feed, if you're interested). March is going to be a tight month, between taxes and FOGcon and some dental work and stuff. Plus, I have stuff in my cupboards that's been there too long.

What's your standard pantry fare? Ours is beans and rice.

Comments

[ailbhe]

Chickpeas, lentils etc
Tinned tomatoes
Pasta
Rice
Couscous

[kalmn]

i do not cook. so please keep that in mind as you read this next sentence. tell me your beans and rice recipe or recipes?

[serene]

Sure! It's essentially the same method no matter which kind of bean I'm making, and it's dead easy.

First, start the rice*.

Once the rice is started, grab a saucepan or large skillet and sautee one chopped onion (doesn't matter how big the pieces are; make them how you like them) in some fat (usually a tablespoon of oil or bacon grease) and a dash of salt. Stir occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent and soften up. You can go until it's starting to brown, but I usually don't. Optionally, I add other veggies to the onions (celery, peppers, and diced carrots work well).

Next, add 1 can (or 1.5-2 cups) or more of cooked beans of any kind, undrained.

Next, I add something smoky (any amount of bacon, ham, or other smoked meat; OR 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika).

Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is done. Salt to taste, and you're done.


(*Making rice: Add 1 part rice and 2 parts water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Cover the pan. If you have a gas stove, turn the burner to the lowest heat and cook, undisturbed, for 20 minutes, then, still not lifting the lid, let the rice rest at least 5 minutes. If you have an electric stove, it's best to just move the pot to another burner that's set to the lowest heat; otherwise, it might boil over because electric elements don't cool down fast enough; ask me how I know.)

[serene]

(after the 20 minutes of cooking the rice, it's supposed to be removed from the heat; I forgot to mention that.)