Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Day 40: Pico de Gallo Pilaf

Day 40.

We are always at a loss with what to have as a side dish when we're having tacos. I found this recipe, and I think it will be our go-to!

Here's what you'll need.
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1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup orzo
1 cup white rice
2 cups water, chicken stock or veggie stock
4 plum tomatoes
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 jalapeno
1 lime
1 handful cilantro

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Heat the olive oil in a big skillet. Add the orzo.

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Toast until deep, golden brown.

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Add the rice and liquid. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer 17-18 minutes.

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Meanwhile, dice the tomatoes.

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Seed and finely dice the jalapeno.

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Combine the onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and zest of the lime in a small bowl.

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Cut the lime in half...

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and squeeze the lime juice into the bowl.

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Now for the cilantro. I use my kitchen shears to snip it to add to the bowl.
If you don't like cilantro, simply leave it out or sub with parsley. Did you know a certain percentage of people think cilantro tastes like soap or metal shavings? It's thought to be some sort of genetic trait. Weird. We like it, so we put it in.

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Like this.

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After your rice and orzo have done their thing and absorbed all the liquid, it should look kinda like this.

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Fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the salsa mixture.

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Fab-o in a taco salad.

This one will be going into the rotation for side dishes. I can't wait to make it again in the summer with garden fresh veggies. I think it would also be good with chicken or even with some grilled burgers. Yum.

1 comment:

The Charm of Home said...

Where do you find all of these recipes! Really nice. Yes, garden tomatoes for sure.