Red and white rice with vegetables and shrimp

Red and white rice with vegetables and shrimp

A delicious recipe, full of colors and flavors, Red and white rice with vegetables and shrimp is not only a tasty dish but also a nutritious option that combines fresh and healthy ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or to impress guests on a special occasion. The red rice, with its unique texture and distinctive aroma, adds a special touch to the plate, while the shrimp provide a marine flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of red rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/3 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 handfuls of shrimp (preferably fresh, but can be pre-cooked)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow, for added color)
- 1 handful of fresh or frozen peas
- 2 eggs
- Soy sauce (to taste)
- 50 g butter
- Corn or olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon of curry
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparing the Red Rice:
1. Start by rinsing the red rice under cold water to remove impurities.
2. In a pot, add the red rice and the 4 cups of chicken broth. Add a little cardamom, salt, and pepper. Place the pot over medium heat.
3. Once the broth starts boiling, cover the pot with aluminum foil and then place a tight lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes.
4. After this time, remove the lid and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. This step is essential to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Preparing the White Rice:
1. Rinse the white rice under cold water.
2. In another pot, add the white rice and the 2 cups of chicken broth. Season with a pinch of curry and a little salt.
3. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and a lid, then cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Shrimp:
1. If using fresh shrimp, peel and rinse them under cold water. You can leave the tail on or remove it, according to preference. Make sure to remove the intestine, which is darker in color.
2. In a skillet, add the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes (if they are larger, 3-5 minutes), until they turn pink and opaque.

Preparing the Vegetables:
1. Chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper finely.
2. In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat. Once it becomes translucent, add the carrot and bell pepper, sautéing each ingredient for 2-3 minutes.
3. Boil the peas in a little water, then drain them.

Assembling the Dish:
1. Beat the two eggs in a bowl and fry them separately in a wok or skillet, adding a little oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice (both red and white), shrimp, sautéed vegetables, peas, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Mix well, tasting to adjust the seasonings.
3. Rinse the bowls with cold water and let them drain, then grease them with a little oil.
4. Fill the bowls with the warm rice mixture, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to achieve an even shape. Allow to cool.
5. Invert the bowls onto plates, carefully removing the mixture. Serve immediately, drizzling with soy sauce.

Tips and Variations:
- You can add other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to diversify the recipe.
- Instead of soy sauce, you can use teriyaki sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
- If you want to add a touch of acidity, you can squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a fruit cocktail.

Nutritional Benefits:
- Red rice is an excellent source of fiber, offering a higher antioxidant content compared to white rice.
- Shrimp are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of red rice? Yes, but the cooking time may vary, so it's good to check the cooking instructions for brown rice.
- Do the shrimp need to be fresh? Not necessarily, you can also use pre-cooked shrimp, but make sure to cook them according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I make the recipe vegetarian? You can replace the shrimp with tofu or additional vegetables, and the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

This recipe for Red and white rice with vegetables and shrimp is not only a feast for the senses but also an excellent way to experiment with healthy and flavorful ingredients. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy its nutritional benefits as well as its unmistakable flavor!