End of the Money - Rice and Beans

End of the Money - Rice and Beans

When it comes to Rice and Beans, there's a number of variations.

There's a Hispanic combination - Refried Beans and cooked Rice, garnished with some salsa and guacamole.

There's the Cajun version - Red Beans and Rice - Pinto Beans simmered for hours with an amazing concoction of spices, when served on top of (or mixed in with) cooked Rice.

There's the Italian version - Rici e Bici.  Well, it's not Beans, but Green Peas.  Rice and Peas is a simple, cheap meal that makes a filling meal that's pretty tasty.

Rici e Bici

1 cup of Rice

2 Tablespoons of Butter

1 large Onion, diced (large dice)

3 cups of Water

1 cube of Chicken Bouliion (or 1 Tablespoon Chicken boullion granules)

1 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen)

1/2 diced cooked Ham (small dice)

Parmesan Cheese to taste

Pepper to taste

In a large skillet, melt the Butter.  In the melted Butter, sautee the Onion until translucent, about 8 minutes.  Add the rice to the skillet and sautee for 2 - 3 minutes.  Add the Water and the Chicken boullion , let cook - stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.  Cook for about 15 minutes.  Add the Green Peas and the diced Ham.  Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until all the water has been absorbed by the rice.

Serve hot with grated Parmesan Cheese and Pepper so people can season to their taste.

Sometimes, I add some fresh Basil to the rice while it is sauteeing.  Parsley or a little Oregano would be nice as well.