Cuban Rice

Cuban Rice

Recipe By : Bumbazine, from a recipe on Food TV
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time ::45
Categories : Beef & Pork One-Pot Company Specials
Main Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 Ounces peas
1 Cup Rice, Uncooked -- long grain white
8 Ounces mushrooms, white or crimini -- sliced
1/2 Pound smoked ham -- cut into small cubes
2 Medium yellow onions -- diced
1/2 Stick butter or margarine -- divided
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil -- optional
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon Seasoned Salt
14 Ounces chicken broth -- 1 can
1/2 Teaspoon chili powder
salt & pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste

Please be advised, ALL of the measurements in this recipe are approximate. I often add more ham, or mushrooms, or whatever, than called for depending on my mood and what I have available.

Start a cup of long grain white rice cooking in 1 can of chicken broth plus a half can of water.
Meanwhile chop up your ham, onions and mushrooms and set aside.
Put a package of green peas on to cook in 1/4- 1/2 cup water.
Put the half stick of butter or margarine in a large pot and melt it over medium-high heat.
Toss in the mushroom slices and saute until cooked.
Now, add the onions, seasoning with some salt and pepper. Depending on the amount of liquid you have, you may add more butter or margarine, or olive oil, at this point. Saute the onions until they are translucent.
When the onions are ready, add the cubed ham, sugar, pepper flakes, chili powder, and any other seasoning(s).
When the rice has sucked up most of it's liquids but is still not quite done, dump the peas, water and all, into the rice to complete cooking.
Meanwhile, turn the pot with the mushrooms, etc, down to low and let things cook together a bit and taste, adding more seasonings as you desire.
When everything is hotted up nicely, dump the (by now cooked) rice and peas into the pot and mix together. Taste again and adjust seasonings as desired.