Padma Lakshmis Easy Red Rice Side Dish Costs Little And Feeds Many Recipes

PAN-ASIAN FRIED RICE (PADMA LAKSHMI)

Steps:

• Make the rice: In a saucepan over moderately high heat bring the water to a boil, add the bouillon cube, bay leaves, sesame oil, and salt to taste, and stir to dissolve bouillon.
• Add the rice, bring back to the boil, stirring, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
• Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Transfer rice to a bowl and fluff with a fork.
• Discard bay leaves.
• Make the egg sheets: In a bowl whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, and salt.
• In a large non-stick skillet set over moderate heat, warm the oil until it is hot, add the egg mixture, lifting and tilting the pan to coat the bottom evenly with the egg, and let it cook until set on the underside.
• Turn and let cook until eggs are completely set. Transfer to a plate and let cool. Cut into shreds.
• In a wok or casserole set over moderately high heat, warm the 3 tablespoons of oil until it is hot.
• Add the garlic and gingerroot and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Add the onion, green pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and salt and stir-fry 5 minutes.
• Add the celery and cabbage and stir-fry 3 minutes more.
• Add the garam masala and Szechuan sauce, and stir-fry 2 minutes.
• Add the bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and 1/2 cup water and let cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Add the rice and egg sheets, and stir-fry until rice is heated through.
• Season with the chili paste, sesame oil, and cilantro.
• Adjust seasonings. Transfer mixture to a large serving dish.

PADMA LAKSHMI'S EASY RED RICE SIDE DISH COSTS LITTLE AND FEEDS MANY

Steps:

• Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and wash under cool water, rinsing it with your hands until water runs clear. Set aside to drain. In a blender, combine onions, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste and ⅓ cup water (or stock, if using). Process until smooth. Heat a deep nonstick pot over medium. Add oil. When oil is hot, add puree. (Be careful not to splash!) Stir well. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover, making sure to tip the water on the underside of lid back into pot. Add thyme, paprika, cayenne, pepper and salt. Stir well. Cover and cook 30 minutes, stirring often (always replace lid after stirring). Add remaining 3 cups of water (or stock, if using). Turn heat up to high. Stir and cover. Once you have a vigorous boil, add rice, stirring to mix well. Cover. As soon as you hear it come back up to a boil (1-2 minutes), reduce heat to low. Cook 20-25 minutes. Uncover and carefully fluff rice with a big fork. If rice is not tender enough, or if it's dry, add a bit of water and continue to cook, covered, on low. If the rice is too wet, cook a few minutes more, until water is absorbed and rice is done. If lucky, you may get a crunchy crust at the bottom! Keep rice covered until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon juice.