Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice

Cilantro lime rice is an excellent served along Mexican-inspired and Asian-inspired meals. Make a large batch and follow my directions below (see Notes) to freeze in small portions for a quick side dish on a busy weeknight.

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• basmati rice https://amzn.to/3cambTk

• citrus squeezer https://amzn.to/3pzqNWi

• microplane zester https://amzn.to/3CnkJYn

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Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice

makes about 5 cups

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 1/4 cups water

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• zest of 1 lime

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)

• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves

Directions

1. In a 3-quart or larger saucepan with a tight fitting lid, cook the dry rice in half of the butter until toasted.

2. Add the garlic and continue stirring for 30-60 seconds until fragrant; immediately stir in water, salt, and lime zest.

3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover for 15 minutes.

4. Remove cover and stir in lime juice,

5. Stir in remaining butter until melted, followed by cilantro leaves.

Note

• Leftover rice can be frozen in an airtight container. To serve, microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

adapted from SimplyRecipes

Risotto alla Milanese

The rich and creamy texture of risotto is one of the world’s most loved culinary creations. This specific risotto, alla Milanese, was developed in the early 1800s and one taste is all you need to know why it’s still popular today, over 200 years later. The beautiful golden color comes from saffron adds an intoxicating flavor. Serve it along side Osso Buco for an Italian meal you will not soon forget!

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• 3 1/2 quart dutch oven https://amzn.to/3ORulOj

• real deal parmigiano-reggiano cheese https://amzn.to/3VzlyUA

• arborio rice https://amzn.to/3OyiXXd

• saffron threads https://amzn.to/3QG6u5K

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Risotto alla Milanese

makes 4-6 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups low or no-sodium chicken stock (try my homemade)

• 1/2 teaspoon loosely packed saffron threads

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup finely minced onion (yellow or white)

• 1 cup arborio rice

• 1/2 cup white wine (or additional chicken stock)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup finely grated parmigiano reggiano cheese (use the good stuff)

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, simmer the chicken stock and saffron together; keep warm until needed.

2. In a 3 1/2-quart or larger dutch oven, saute onions and olive oil together with a pinch of salt and pepper until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes; add the arborio rice and stir to combine.

3. Add white wine and stir until absorbed, then add 1 ladle of the saffron-infused chicken stock and stir until absorbed. Continue adding the stock, one ladle at a time, stirring until it’s mostly absorbed before adding more. This will take about 20 minutes or so.

4. When the rice is almost completely cooked, stir in the butter until melted, then stir in the grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

5. Carefully taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use caution when adding salt while cooking this recipe. Parmigiano-reggiano is very salty so that’s why I specify low or no-sodium chicken stock and unsalted butter. Better to be careful - you can always add salt, after you stir in the cheese, if needed.

• The flavor of this risotto relies heavily on the quality of saffron and parmigiano-reggiano used. The creamy texture of this risotto relies heavily on using arborio rice. It pays to get the best quality you can.

adapted from Laura in the Kitchen