Rice is a valued staple around the world - we use it a lot at Hearth & Table particularly because it's a familiar, inexpensive, gluten-free base that keeps our meals accessible for many. But it's versatility isn't always given a chance to shine. It's not just a champion for the savory, but can be sweet as well!
Chef Ryan is launching a "rice pudding" dessert series to take us around the world. This week's Cuban-inspired meal brings us Arroz con Leche.
Black bean & vegetable stew
Serves 6
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons oil
2 onions, diced ½ head garlic, cloves peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained & rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-2 lbs. seasonal vegetables (any), cut about bite-sized
1 cup vegetable stock or water (plus more if needed to thin stew)
1 lime, juice & zest
Salt & pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Then add the onions.
2. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the onions are lightly browned and translucent. Then add the garlic.
3. Cook for 3 minutes more and reduce heat to medium. Add the cumin and oregano, and cook 3 minutes more.
4. Add all remaining ingredients except lemon juice & zest, and cook until the vegetables are just done. Season to taste with the lemon juice & zest, salt and pepper.
Pumpkin polenta
Serves 6
Ingredients:
6 C water
1 ½ C coarse-ground cornmeal (a.k.a. polenta)
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 lemon, zest & juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Using a whisk, slowly stir in the polenta. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Using a wooden spoon, stir the polenta frequently (don’t let it stick to the bottom of the pot!) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the polenta is fairly tender. Mix in the pumpkin puree, lemon zest & lemon juice, and season to taste (salt & pepper).
Arroz con leche (Cuba)
Serves 10
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups water
1 ½ cups short grain rice
1 (1/4 inch x 3 inch) strip lime peel
½ cup water
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons anise seed, crushed
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) can condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Method:
1. Combine 2 1/4 cups of water, rice, and lime peel in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
2. While the rice is cooking, combine 1/2 cup of water, the cinnamon stick, and anise in another saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a low boil for 3 minutes, then remove the saucepan from the stove. Strain flavored water into a bowl and set aside, discarding cinnamon stick and anise pieces.
3. After rice has simmered for 20 minutes, carefully remove the lime peel with a slotted spoon, and over low heat, gradually stir evaporated milk and condensed milk into the rice. Mix in the cinnamon and anise-flavored water, vanilla, and salt. Add raisins, if desired. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes.
4. If the pudding is too watery after 10 minutes, turn up heat to medium-low and stir continuously. When pudding reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and pour into individual dishes, or a large bowl. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.