These easy-to-make exotic-flavored meatballs work equally well atop rice for a main dish or as hors d’oeuvres—with optional green curry or Asian dipping sauce.
Vietnamese rice paper wrappers (also called báhn tráng) are easy to work with once you’ve moistened one or two and gotten a feel for how they soften up. You can also serve these wraps as appetizers by slicing them in half on the bias and serving them standing pointy-end up.
A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist, mild-tasting patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms.
Brown the pork tenderloin on all sides before baking–this gives the meat a nice sear and seals in the rich flavor. Top with apricot chutney, made from store-bought jam, rice vinegar, mustard seed, and fresh ginger.
Spicy sprouts, such as broccoli, arugula, or leek, give sushi rolls a delicate crunch and peppery flavor. A sushi mat makes it easy to wrap the nori and rice tightly around fillings, but it’s not necessary.
Spunky Cajun seasoning, velvety black beans and colorful vegetables keep this Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo lively, loaded and interesting. There's plenty of saucy liquid to flavor accompanying rice.
I know this dish may seem a little strange. But bear with me — citrus risotto isn’t some odd sweet-and-sour rice porridge. It’s an elegant dish that beautifully balances tart, creamy, salty and sweet flavors.
