Yellow Rice With A Kick

History of Rice
Rice is a staple in Asia that has a long history.  Rice is a healthy food source that falls in the vegetable category where in China it is eaten alone or with fish.  While westernized countries eat rice with meat and even in desserts, for the Chinese people, they prefer to eat it as we do bread. 

The northern region of China has a very mild climate and therefore, does not grow rice.  In contrast, the southern region of China is abundant with rice plantations, which are flooded to help product this crop.  The water level must be maintained at a certain level and remain consistent in subtropical weather for the rice to grow. 

The Chinese myth is that rice was sold as a gift to the gods in lieu of animals.  It is believed that after the lands were flooded, all living plants were destroyed.  Animals were scarce, making hunting difficult.  One day, a dog came abounding across a field and as it approached the Chinese people, they noticed its fur was covered with yellow seeds.  Not knowing what these seeds would produce, they planted them and as a result, rice grew.  Even today, the Chinese people have a strong believe that the precious things of life are not the pearls or jade, but the five grains with rice being number one. 

Yellow Rice

Ingredients: 

4 Tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion (larger will make rice more flavorful)
1 1/2 cups Rice ( I Use Uncle Ben's)
2 Cups Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric or Saffron Threads
4 Garlic Clove, chopped
1 green Chili Pepper, chopped
1/2 Cup Cilantro, chopped
1/2 Green Pepper, chopped
 Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon ground Cumin
Olives, chopped optional

1. Put butter or olive oil  into medium pot with heavy bottom on medium heat..  Add onion, green pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper and chili pepper  Stir and cook for about 2 minutes add rice; let rice get light nutty color.
2. Add the chicken broth, saffron thread and cumin 
3. Let rice cook about 20- 25 minutes then stir in the cilantro and olives
* Served with Mango BBQ Chicken and Collard Greens All herbs and chili pepper was grown in my garden                               For all of your holiday needs call or email
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