Lanita'S Red Rice
Lanita's Red Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and leftover rice simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Its smoky, savory taste makes it a satisfying meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy, then set aside and crumble.
- In the bacon grease, sauté chopped onions and green peppers until softened.
- Stir in the cold leftover rice and cook for a minute.
- Add the tomato sauce and crumbled bacon to the rice mixture.
- Simmer everything together for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute the leftover rice with quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free option. If you want to enhance the dish further, add some spices like paprika or cumin. Feel free to incorporate other veggies like corn or peas to make it more colorful and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lanita's Red Rice as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with sides like cornbread or garlic bread. For a more filling experience, consider serving it with Skyline Chili(Ala Clark) on top, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. This dish can also be reheated in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lanita'S Red Rice contains roughly 275 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
While leftover rice works best for this recipe as it’s drier and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet to reduce excess moisture, which helps achieve the desired texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or butter for sautéing. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon flavor. You can also enhance it with more vegetables or plant-based protein for added nutrition.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute. For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with some water to achieve the right consistency. This will still provide the necessary acidity and sweetness for the dish.
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).