Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice from Chipotle Mexican Grill

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
• 2 tsp. fresh cilantro coarsely chopped
• 2/3 cup white basmati rice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Lime

In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted. Add rice and lime juice, stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt, bring to a full rolling boil. At boiling, cover, turn down to simmer over low heat until rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.  Before serving stir in cilantro.

[bahs-MAH-tee]
Basmati is a long-grained rice, with a fine texture. It can be found in Middle Eastern and India markets, as well as some supermarkets.
The source of this recipe is attributed to Chipolte’s Executive Chef (and CEO), Steve Ellis.

Rice Salad

This is a recipe I got from an old neighbor who was from Puerto Rico.  Everyone always begged her for this recipe (including me!).  It sounds a little different, but is delicious! 

• 1 1/2 cups rice, preferably short grain
• 1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 banana, peeled and chopped
• 1 avocado, peeled and chopped*
• 3 1/2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 3/4 cup chopped cilantro

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rice until just done, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain thoroughly.
 Coat the chicken with the 1 tablespoon oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over moderate heat. Cook the breasts until just done. Alternatively, heat the tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan and season and cook the chicken as directed above. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into 1/2-inch pieces.
Toss the rice with the chicken, onion, banana, avocado, the 1/3 cup oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the lime juice, and cilantro.