Fast Taco Rice

Middle of the week fast meal here it comes! I think sometimes I get a little too caught up in trying to make things too gourmet. I do. I think it's the chef in me, but sometimes I am reminded by the non-chef husband and children that simple-silly is okay too. Case in point, while trying to come up with a fast delicious healthy rice dish, I made this rice. We call it Taco Rice. It uses instant brown rice, a lot of vegetables, and lean meat. It takes all of fifteen minutes to make. Yikes, right? What's not to love? It can also be made with my homemade rice-y-roni but you will need to increase the final cooking time to 20 minutes, and then use a full 15 ounce can of broth or homemade stock. Those who know about my zany husband Ace will remember is total disdain for any kind of yard bird used in cooking. However, he hardly noticed the taco meat. It adds great flavor. If you are totally vegetarian, you can use a can of red or black beans in place of the meat and season with a fajita seasoning or taco seasoning of your choice. Homemade Meatless Wonders seitan works well in the place of the meat if you add a little oil to the pan so the veggies saute properly.

Tess' Taco Rice
1/2 lb lean turkey meat (taco seasoned)
2 bell peppers, chopped fine
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 cloves of garlic chopped fine
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
2 cups instant brown rice
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

sour cream or Homemade yogurt (optional)
chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions: Saute the bell peppers, onions and garlic with the taco meat in a 12-14 inch skillet with a lid that fits. Cook 4-5 minutes until meat is no longer pink and the veggies are tender.
We like a lot of vegetables around here and after years of practice, my kids are finally on board with wanting a lot of the good stuff in their food too. It's a process. I've read that it takes fifteen exposures to a new food before kids will want to eat it. You may have to prepare it a lot of different ways as well. I'm happy to report that Face totally approves of bell peppers, onions and garlic in the meal. He even stirs the pot.

Add the tomatoes and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Add instant brown rice, mix well. Cover with lid and turn to lowest heat. Cook 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro if desired.

Serve with taco chips, sour cream. Homemade yogurt also works as a topping. Really anything you put on a taco would work. Yes, this would work wonderfully as the base for taco salads. You're so smart.

There you go.