This recipe creates a vibrant, refreshing, and spicy rice dish with the punchy flavors of scallion, cilantro, habaneros, and lime. It's an exciting side dish that can easily transform any meal into a culinary delight, adding color, flavor, and a bit of heat to your dinner table.
The key ingredient that you might need to hunt for is the habanero pepper. These small and fiery peppers are not always available in every supermarket. They are among the spiciest peppers you can find, and handling them requires care. Always wear gloves when chopping them to avoid getting the oil on your skin. If you can't find habaneros, you could substitute them with other varieties of chili peppers.
Ingredients for Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
Grain rice: The base of our dish, rice absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients while providing a soft, fluffy texture.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the habanero, olive oil also gives a subtle richness to the rice.
Habanero pepper: This pepper adds a significant kick to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the dish.
Water: The cooking medium for the rice.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, scallions add a fresh, crisp aspect.
Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh and herby flavor.
Lime juice: Brings a tangy brightness, balancing out the heat from the habanero.
One reader, Christen Bergstrom says:
This scallion cilantro rice with habaneros and lime recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of fresh herbs, spicy habaneros, and zesty lime juice creates a vibrant and delicious dish. It's a perfect side or main course, and the flavors really pop. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
How to sauté the habanero pepper: In a small heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the habanero pepper until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened.
How to cook the rice: Add the rice, water, and salt to the pot with the sautéed habanero pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once most of the water has evaporated and the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce the flame to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. After turning off the stove, keep the pot covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking.
How to mix the rice with scallions, cilantro, and lime juice: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice with the chopped scallions, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss the ingredients together until they are completely mixed, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
How To Make Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
Why eat plain rice when you can make with scallion cilantro rice? The various herbs add a layer of sumptuousness and the habanero gives a nice kick.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupgrain rice,long, uncooked
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1habanero pepper,diced
- ½tspsalt
- 2cupswater
- 2scallions,diced
- ¼cupcilantro,fresh chopped
- 2tbsplime juice,fresh
Instructions
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In a small heavy pot add oil and saute pepper on medium heat.
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Add rice, water and salt.
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Boil on high until most of the water evaporates.
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When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce flame to low and cover to cook for about 15 minutes.
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Shut off stove and keep covered for an additional 5 minute.
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In a medium bowl, combine chopped scallions, cilantro, lime juice, rice and toss until completely mixed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 215.70kcal
- Fat: 3.73g
- Saturated Fat: 0.56g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.46g
- Carbohydrates: 41.26g
- Fiber: 0.75g
- Sugar: 1.01g
- Protein: 3.66g
- Sodium: 298.67mg
- Calcium: 18.21mg
- Potassium: 127.81mg
- Iron: 0.65mg
- Vitamin A: 12.51µg
- Vitamin C: 27.36mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
When handling habanero peppers, it's important to remember that they are very spicy. To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds and the white membrane inside the pepper before chopping and adding it to your dish. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling, and avoid touching your eyes or face.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Zesty Rice Recipe
Preparation: Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. This includes chopping vegetables, measuring out spices, and having all your utensils ready.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a rice cooker to simplify the cooking process and reduce the number of dishes to clean.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion of the rice and store the leftovers in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop the scallions and cilantro, saving time and effort.
Time-saving tools: Invest in a good quality knife and cutting board to make chopping and prepping ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime Recipe
grain rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice, providing a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture. It's also a great source of protein and fiber.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
habanero pepper - Substitute with jalapeño pepper: Jalapeño peppers offer a milder heat level compared to habaneros, making them a suitable substitute for those who prefer a less spicy option.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor similar to scallions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.
Presenting Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
- Elevate the rice: Mold the rice into a perfect round shape using a ring mold for a clean and elegant presentation.
- Garnish with scallions and cilantro: Finely chop the scallions and cilantro and sprinkle them on top of the rice for a pop of color and freshness.
- Drizzle with lime juice: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate and artistic drizzle of lime juice around the edge of the plate for a touch of acidity.
- Add a habanero slice: Thinly slice a habanero pepper and place it on top of the rice for a bold and spicy visual element.
- Serve on a decorative plate: Choose a beautiful, high-quality plate to showcase the vibrant colors and flavors of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zesty Habanero Lime Rice
- Small heavy pot: A small, sturdy pot used for sautéing, boiling, and simmering ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
- Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for chopping, dicing, and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A tool used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
- Lid: A cover used for covering pots and pans during cooking.
- Grater: A tool used for grating ingredients such as cheese, zest, and vegetables.
- Juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from fruits such as lime.
Storing and Freezing Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
Let the scallion cilantro rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy and mushy.
Store the cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation.
If you want to freeze the scallion cilantro rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
When freezing, divide the rice into smaller portions so that you can easily thaw and reheat only what you need. This will also help the rice freeze and thaw more quickly.
Label the freezer-safe container or bag with the date of preparation and the contents. The frozen scallion cilantro rice can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe container and add a splash of water. Cover the container with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen rice in a saucepan over low heat. Add a small amount of water or olive oil to the pan and stir the rice frequently until it is heated through and the excess moisture has evaporated.
When reheating, taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or some chopped cilantro to brighten up the flavors.
How To Reheat Leftover Scallion Cilantro Rice
Stovetop method: heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover scallion cilantro rice and stir occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps to revive the flavors of the habaneros and lime while giving the rice a nice texture.
Microwave method: place the leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle a small amount of water over the top. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The steam from the water will help to rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out. After reheating, fluff the rice with a fork and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover rice evenly in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top layer, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. This method is ideal if you have a large amount of leftover rice and want to reheat it all at once.
Stir-fry method: heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some diced vegetables or proteins of your choice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add the leftover rice and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and well combined with the other ingredients. This method allows you to create a new dish using your leftover rice as a base.
Random Fact about Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
Habanero pepper is one of the hottest chili peppers, measuring between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville Heat Units. This makes it significantly spicier than jalapeños, adding a fiery kick to the scallion cilantro rice with habaneros and lime recipe.
Is Making This Zesty Rice Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
This scallion cilantro rice with habaneros and lime recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. The combination of scallions, cilantro, and habanero adds a burst of flavor, making it a delightful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, bold flavors, and cost-effectiveness.
Is This Zesty Rice Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This scallion cilantro rice recipe with habaneros and lime is a flavorful and relatively healthy dish. Here's why:
- Brown rice is a whole grain, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Olive oil is a healthy fat source
- Habanero peppers contain capsaicin, which has potential health benefits like boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation
- Scallions and cilantro add fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients
- Lime juice provides vitamin C and enhances the dish's flavor without adding calories
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of oil used in sautéing the pepper to lower the calorie and fat content
- Include more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the dish
- Consider using a mix of habanero and milder peppers to reduce the heat while still providing the health benefits of capsaicin
- Optionally, add a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the dish more balanced and satisfying
Editor's Opinion on This Habanero Lime Rice Dish
This scallion cilantro rice with habaneros and lime recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of scallions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a refreshing and zesty twist to the rice, while the habanero pepper brings a subtle heat. The cooking method ensures perfectly cooked rice with a fluffy texture. However, it's important to exercise caution when handling habanero peppers due to their spiciness. Overall, this recipe offers a vibrant and aromatic dish that would complement a variety of main courses.
Enhance Your Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any rice enthusiast. The use of habanero pepper adds a touch of heat, while the scallions and cilantro bring a refreshing burst of flavor. The addition of lime juice provides a zesty and tangy finish, elevating the dish to a whole new level. With the careful instructions provided, you can trust that this recipe will result in a perfectly cooked, aromatic, and delicious rice dish that will surely impress your taste buds.
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