Calico Rice
Calico Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining colorful peppers, aromatic spices, and tender rice, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. picante sauce or salsa ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet or saucepan, sauté peppers and onion in butter for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, dry onion soup mix, picante sauce or salsa, cumin, garlic, salt, and water.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Garnish with sour cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the long grain rice with brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time accordingly. If you want extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted to fit vegetarian recipes by using plant-based butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Rice as a colorful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or as part of a Mexican-inspired meal. For a heartier option, top with shredded cheese or serve it alongside a dollop of sour cream. Consider pairing it with American recipes like BBQ or Tex-Mex dishes for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and enjoy it as a quick side or main dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Rice contains roughly 515 calories, with 13g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Calico Rice ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated when needed, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the heat by adding more picante sauce or salsa, or by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste for the perfect level of spice.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create a homemade version by mixing dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt together. This will provide a similar flavor profile while avoiding additives found in pre-packaged mixes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).