Herby Rice Salad With Peas And Prosciutto Recipes

PEA AND RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Keep rice at room temperature while cooling. Do not refrigerate or it will clump together.
• Cut Jack cheese into short strips.
• Grate Mozzarella cheese.
• When rice is completely cooled, mix all the ingredients together.
• Use the lettuce to line the serving plate.
• Pile salad in mound.
• Serve at room temperature.
• If the weather is warm, add mayo no more then 1/2 hour ahead of serving.
• * If using frozen peas, make sure to drain the water before adding to salad.
• ** Peel the celery just like a carrot. It removes the stringy part.

HERBY RICE SALAD WITH PEAS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Prepare the rice: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it. Stir in the rice. When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook the rice at a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender but still a bit firm and not at all mushy. Drain the rice in a colander set in the sink, then transfer it to a large bowl. You can refrigerate it after this step or use it once it has cooled completely.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the peas, olive oil, sliced onion, lemon zest and juice, red-pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt. Allow to marinate, refrigerated, for 20 minutes or up to 3 days.
• Remove the sliced onion from the pea mixture and discard. Add 5 cups of the cooled or refrigerated rice to the pea mixture, along with the basil, mint, parsley and chives; toss gently to combine. Taste for salt and lemon juice. This is important - get it the way you want it. If the ratio needs a bit more rice, add it from whatever is left. (You should have another cup or so.) You may also wish to add more herbs.
• Serve in shallow bowls, draping a couple of slices of prosciutto alongside for each person. Alternatively, a spoonful of really good ricotta on top is also delicious. Or, serve with both prosciutto and ricotta - although vegetarians and vegans will enjoy this dish without the meat or dairy. Set out lemon wedges to squeeze to taste.