By popular request.
Promised I'd post this, so here we go:
MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE RICE PILAF
And all "pilaf(i)" means is 'cooked rice', so technically the above title is kind of ridiculous in English).
1- Pot of rice; enough for company
2- Cups rice. (I prefer Uncle Ben's brand converted rice).
3- Chicken bouillon cubes
4- Cups water
You'll need a 4 Qt./L stock pot with lid.
Measure out two cups of rice.
Check for dirt/stones/insects/boogers, etc. Remove what you need to remove.
In a small amount of oil that barely coats the bottom of a 4 Quart/Litre stockpot, (say 4 Tablespoons) saute the rice for a minute or two over high heat. For best reuslts, use a wooden spoon and keep turning the rice while scraping the bottom of the pan. [This add flavor and seals in the starch to prevent foaming and boilovers later]. If it starts browning add water, do it for a few seconds less next time.
Add the 4 cups of MEASURED water. Reduce heat to low. You are bringing 350*F (175*C) rice down to 212*F (100*C) real quick, so it will hiss and moan and sputter and steam and boil like crazy.
Add the chicken cubes. (You usually dont' need salt with these).
STIR!
Add some parsley
Add some pepper
Add a bay leaf (must be removed before serving as it is a chocking hazard)
Cover and simmer over low heat for 21 minutes or until water is absorbed. Turn and stir once or twice during cooking. Don't uncover for long periods; you need the rice to steam. Fluff with fork when done cooking. Re-cover until ready to serve. The rice steams at the end, so letting it sit helps ensure it is dry and throroughly cooked.
Trick is to saute at first to lube the pan (to prevent sticking)and ensure lack of foaming up, and for flavor.
To change-it-up once in a while add one or more of these.
(Which were NOT present at our AW family meal).
A tablespoon of butter.
Garlic powder.
Minced onion (dry or fresh).
Peas.
Peas and diced carrots
Peas and pearl onions.
Mushrooms.
A tablespoon of tomato sauce (or a teasppoon of paste).
Use leftover fat from meats/chicken or bacon, or if using canned (liquid) chicken broth, omit chicken cubes and adjust total cooking liquid.
REMEMBER: Cooking rice? Water's twice! (the amount of the rice).
Absolutely can't measure? Do it Spanish/Hisapanic style; Water/broth should be above rice by (thickenss of) two horizontal fingers.