Lola'S Red Rice
Lola's Red Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish combining smoky bacon, colorful vegetables, and savory tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion in the fat from cooked bacon until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato sauce, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; stir in crumbled bacon.
- Pour uncooked rice into a rice steamer, add the vegetable and sauce mixture, and stir to combine.
- Cook in the rice steamer for 1 hour, stirring with a fork after 45 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you're in a pinch, turkey bacon can be a lighter substitute. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like diced carrots or peas. Adjust the Worcestershire sauce to taste for a more pronounced umami flavor. This dish also works well with brown rice if you prefer a whole grain option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant red rice as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats, such as pork or chicken. It pairs beautifully with New Year'S Eve Beans for a hearty meal. Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. A side salad can also balance out the richness of the dish.
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 prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lola'S Red Rice contains roughly 709 calories, with 19g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2861mg per serving (124% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. However, you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice used.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for added protein. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and moisture accordingly to ensure everything is heated through without becoming mushy.
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).