Zarela's Creamy Rice Casserole
I love Aaron Sanchez. He is one of my favorite TV chefs. He runs a number of restaurants. The one he runs with his mother is called Zarelas, his mothers first name. He was on a show called, The Best Thing I Ever Ate with his mother. His choice was Zarelas creamy, cheesy rice dish. This is what Zarela wrote after the show. I am posting it here so I dont lose the recipe. I was just on the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate with my son, chef and Food Network star, Aaron Sanchez and within minutes viewers were going to my web site, signing up for updates and writing me to share the recipe. Thank you very much for your interest and I hope you enjoy our famous creamy rice casserole. This is a superior party dish that can be easily pre-assembled and reheated just prior to serving. This is why it is high on the list of all caterers in Northern Mexico, myself included. What makes it a favorite of all eaters is that it has layers of flavors - creamy and hot, crunchy corn kernels, and the cilantro adds a refreshing after-taste.
I love Aaron Sanchez. He is one of my favorite TV chefs. He runs a number of restaurants. The one he runs with his mother is called Zarelas, his mothers first name. He was on a show called, The Best Thing I Ever Ate with his mother. His choice was Zarelas creamy, cheesy rice dish. This is what Zarela wrote after the show. I am posting it here so I dont lose the recipe. I was just on the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate with my son, chef and Food Network star, Aaron Sanchez and within minutes viewers were going to my web site, signing up for updates and writing me to share the recipe. Thank you very much for your interest and I hope you enjoy our famous creamy rice casserole. This is a superior party dish that can be easily pre-assembled and reheated just prior to serving. This is why it is high on the list of all caterers in Northern Mexico, myself included. What makes it a favorite of all eaters is that it has layers of flavors - creamy and hot, crunchy corn kernels, and the cilantro adds a refreshing after-taste.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 can corn
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 clove
- 2 cups converted rice
- 2 tablespoons lard or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 poblano chiles roasted, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb grated white cheddar cheese
- Carbohydrate 101.353679254256 g
- Cholesterol 83.978529829988 mg
- Fat 27.8735709120504 g
- Fiber 1.58683335951367 g
- Protein 24.4431109551137 g
- Saturated Fat 17.2439032552319 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving(s) (532g)
- Sodium 407.566993911903 mg
- Sugar 99.7668458947423 g
- Trans Fat 1.58428437267293 g
- Calories 759 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring water to a boil and add butter and salt.
- When the butter is melted add the rice and bring back to a boil.
- Lower the heat to very low and cover the rice with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Take rice out of the saucepan and spread on a baking sheet to cool or allow to cool in the pan uncovered.
- Meanwhile, combine the sour cream with the 1/4 cup chopped onion and cilantro and add salt to taste.
- Heat the lard in a frying pan and add the 1/2 cup chopped onion and garlic.
- Dice the poblanos and add to pan when the onion is wilted.
- Sauté for one minute.
- Let cool and combine with the rice.
- Drain the can of corn well and add to the cool rice and poblano mixture.
- Add the sour cream mixture and mix in the grated cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through in a 350 degree oven. If using a Pyrex dish, the oven temperature should be 325 degrees.
Zarela's Creamy Rice Casserole: A Culinary Journey
As a busy professional woman, finding time to cook delicious and impressive meals can be a challenge. However, I've discovered a recipe that's both simple and elegant: Zarela's Creamy Rice Casserole. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also incredibly versatile, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering. I first encountered this recipe through a Food Network show featuring Aaron Sanchez and his mother, Zarela. Their enthusiasm for this dish was infectious, and after trying it myself, I completely understand why.
What sets this casserole apart is its layered flavors. The creamy texture of the sour cream and cheese beautifully complements the slightly spicy kick from the poblano peppers. The sweetness of the corn adds another dimension, providing a delightful contrast to the savory elements. The fresh cilantro, added at the end, offers a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the other ingredients. The rice, cooked perfectly to a fluffy consistency, serves as a wonderful base for all these incredible tastes to meld together. The recipe itself is straightforward, with simple steps that make it accessible even to novice cooks like myself. However, it produces results that are far beyond simple. You'll find yourself savoring every creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful bite.
Beyond the Recipe: The beauty of Zarela's Creamy Rice Casserole lies not only in its taste but also in its practicality. It's a make-ahead dish, perfect for busy schedules. You can prepare most of it in advance and then simply pop it in the oven before serving. This feature makes it an ideal dish for entertaining, as it minimizes stress and maximizes deliciousness. The casserole also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Personal Touch: I often adapt recipes to suit my own tastes and preferences. For instance, sometimes I substitute different types of cheese, depending on what I have on hand, or add a pinch of chili powder for an extra layer of warmth. I've also experimented with adding other vegetables, like diced bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients and flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; feel free to personalize it and make it your own.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. I often serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. It's also fantastic as a stand-alone dish, hearty and satisfying enough to be enjoyed on its own. It's been a staple at my family gatherings and always a huge hit. Regardless of the occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and leave your guests wanting more. The perfect balance of flavors, simple steps, and impressive results is hard to beat!
More than just a recipe, Zarela's Creamy Rice Casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and skillful preparation, a culinary gem that has become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire.
