I know what you’re thinking: you don’t need a recipe for rice. It’s true that most of us could probably make rice with our eyes closed and one hand tied behind our backs (I suppose that would be a slight fire hazard in some states). Even so, sometimes, it’s the simple recipes that you need to anchor all of the difficult things that come out of our kitchens.
Rice is actually one of those things that everyone thinks they know how to cook because it’s rice, four little letters, one tiny grain, but in actuality, getting perfectly fluffy rice is a bit of an art. If you make rice frequently or often need a lot of it at once – like if you cook a batch of it for the week to go with various dinners – then you might be able to justify splurging on one more kitchen appliance that has one very provincial function. Before you commit to a life long dedication to all things Basmati, make rice on the stove…and make it so delicious that you’ll start making it every night.
Now, your inevitable online shopping spree is perfectly justified.
- 3 poblano peppers
- Canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow or white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place poblano peppers on a small baking sheet. Put in oven and roast, turn occasionally, until skin is deeply brown in spots. Remove from the oven and allow to cool enough to touch. Peel off the skin and don’t worry if not every speck comes off. Remove the seeds and roughly chop. Set aside. (Even though these peppers are mild tasting, they can sting your hands. Be sure to wash after handling).
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, then add the onions along with a large pinch of salt. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno, sauté for a minute, then sprinkle in the cumin. Cook until very fragrant then pour in the rice and half the cilantro. Stir very well, coating the grains of rice with the oil, vegetables, and cumin and allow to toast a bit, also allowing the cilantro to wilt, about 3 minutes in the pan. Pour in the water and give it another big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and using a fork, carefully stir in the poblano peppers and the rest of the cilantro. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and cover for another 5 minutes.
57 Comments
Why I Write [Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Recipe]
September 11, 2011 at 10:04 pm[…] weeks ago I wrote two posts in in which I mentioned that I recently lost a job and felt uninspired to blog. After a few days, my mother, an avid reader here, suggested I remove […]
Sawsan@chef in disguise
August 24, 2011 at 2:55 amSo sorry that you are facing problems with work Maris,
I wish there was good advice I could give you but I personally have not decided what I want to do in my life..I work part time now and there is blogging but neither are paying enough..I don’t want to commit to a job I’m not passionate about but for some reason I can’t find that job..
All I can say is that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I really hope everything works out well
Katie
August 23, 2011 at 9:23 amI hope things turn around for you soon. I know it’s hard to think of now, but life usually falls back into place!
chutneyandspice
August 22, 2011 at 12:45 pmBless you, what a difficult time. My husband is freelance and I am a full time mum and a once a week blogger, and we feel really vulnerable at the moment with 2 small children and a difficult economy. So first, take a deep breath. Then don’t think too hard about the big picture, just focus on the small stages, on taking each day at a time. I don’t think there is any such thing as the perfect job …or the perfect husband, friend, house etc. Things happen for a reason, and it is during the bad times that we are learning. As a woman, you will probably want to find something that can be flexible if you decide to have children, so it sounds like you are heading the right way. Keep believing and it will all be ok.
SMITH BITES
August 20, 2011 at 3:22 pmI feel for you Maris and although I don’t have any REAL words of wisdom I do know this: you will land on your feet regardless of what is happening right at this moment. Also know that sometimes the direction we THINK we are going turns out to be something entirely different but we couldn’t reach our destination any other way. I’ve had many a career change in my life but every single one of them has prepared me for what I’m doing now – I own a company w/The Professor which in turn has helped us develop skills we use to create and produce content for our blog. We just couldn’t have ended up here any other way. Stay focused on your dream and it will happen . . . But the road will have many a curve.
This economy sucks and it isn’t a reflection on you or your work – it just is what it is; you may need to take another job temporarily and keep working towards your goal part-time – I don’t know; but never give up on your dreams – those visions are given to us for a reason – because they’re ours to fulfill!
Lisa from Lisas Yarns
August 20, 2011 at 3:17 pmYum. I like that nice, short ingredient list. And I am all about mexican food!
I am sorry you are going through such a difficult time, career-wise. That is tough, espeically when you work so hard. I went through a tough stage in early 2010. I had left my current employer to start a job that I thought I would love at a company I shop at weekly and absolutely adore. Well, what I thought would be a dream job turned out ot be a nightmare… and I had to think – what do I really want to do with my life? I took a job back at my current employer, which wasn’t the ‘best’ job, but it got me back in the door (and provided an income, albeit a fraction of what I was making at the job I left). Eventually I got back on track and transferred to a new job in January that is an amazing fit.
You are so talented and amazing – something has got to come together for you!!!!
MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College
August 20, 2011 at 2:00 pmI think that was a great metaphor for a relatively crappy situation! I am so sorry to hear you are having a difficult time with your career etc. I am still in college and am not exactly sure what I will do when I get done…I wish I could give some advice (or that $100,000 😉 ) Best of luck in everything! This rice sounds and looks amazing by the way.
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious
August 20, 2011 at 8:58 amI love this simple rice recipe, so I am saving it!
Maris I’m 10+ yrs out of school; and I finally found a job that I love and enjoy to do! Get this, I don’t even necessarily need the degrees that I have to get this job, although I know they helped. So my answer is – after lots of trials and errors (tons of heartaches), navigating jobs after jobs through terrible managers, countless meetings w/ mentors (some who turn out to be awesome, but some who are absolutely useless), and lots of facts-finding internally – I would like to say that I am there. I am that much stronger and much more appreciate of my career accomplishment after having gone through all of that. Good luck!
marla
August 20, 2011 at 8:34 amI love mexican green rice because it is a healthy comfort food…great recipe.
Geni
August 20, 2011 at 7:56 amYou are a talented and gifted writer and food educator. That being said, sometimes we just have to sustain ourselves and work on our dream on the side. It sucks…I am totally aware. My day job is convenient, stressful and not anywhere I thought I would be but it pays the bills and helps my family to have a good life. I keep dreaming of a little, homestyle bakery with retro desserts. But here in L.A. ish, there is a cupcakery on almost every corner and in CA you can’t start by baking out of your kitchen so I keep dreaming for the time being of how to start small so I can go bigger. You have already gone bigger and have so much to be proud of. I can’t believe the number of places and mags your recipes have been featured. You have done so much towards your dream already. It’s OK to take one step backwards now and then and look to the future to take your two steps forward. This economy is crap since I am sure you have not heard that before, but several of my clients at work have disappeared lately. It’s not you, it’s the economy…sort of like a guy that’s just not into us. Sometimes it really isn’t you so hang in there. My best bit of advice at my ripe old age of 41 (said tongue in cheek mind you) is that there is a day when things will be better and you will look BACK on this part and thing, “whew I dodged that bullet” or “glad that’s over”. Life keeps on going and if you push through, you will be just fine. It’s not all roses and sunshine…I’ve had many tragedies and days I thought I just really couldn’t make it, but I did and now I am looking back and saying, “Glad that part’s over.” Take care…feel free to edit, delete or whatever…I know it’s too long. No hard feelings.
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen
August 19, 2011 at 11:54 pmMaris, I am so sorry to hear about losing one of your bigger clients. Try to keep your head up and know that you are a very talented and smart woman, It is very hard to find a balance between what you love to do and what pays the bills. I am an elementary teacher and I absolutely love it but it is almost impossible to find a kindergarten through third grade teaching job in the midwest.
Susan
August 19, 2011 at 9:14 pmIt is so hard to be self-employed (speaking from experience) but with the economy in such a state of flux it can be very unnerving because clients have had to cut back too. Meeting monthly expenses, not to mention health insurance when you’re self employed, can be very difficult. Saving money for your retirement – even harder. I wish you good fortune and $100,000 couldn’t hurt 🙂 Good luck, Maris!
Spicy rice is the perfect comfort food right now – it sounds great!
Reeni
August 19, 2011 at 8:15 pmI’m sorry about what’s happened! I hope everything works out for the best. I still don’t know what I want to do…I wish I could make enough money blogging. I’m one who cannot make rice with my eyes closed – I love the smoky peppers in this!
Nicole@HeatOvenTo350
August 19, 2011 at 3:00 pmI’m so sorry everything is falling at once. Choosing a career is so difficult, because it’s often the things you love that don’t work out as well financially. I think you have great talents in the food field and you always seem like an inspiration to me. I think you should take a second and be proud of what you have accomplished – in a bad economy you’ve taken a chance and made a go of things for 9 months. That’s hard work! And brave! You’re one talented woman. Maybe a part-time position somewhere would allow you to keep those smaller clients and maybe build up a bigger clientele over time? I know someone as talented as you will be able to find something new. Hopefully you will be able to incorporate the things you love into your new position, too.
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray
August 19, 2011 at 2:43 pmI wish I had some wonderful solution for you. Or 100,000 dollars (but you might have to share that with me). I would tell you to go into physical therapy, because I think it is the greatest field ever, but I’m guess it isn’t your cup of tea. What I do know is that you’re insanely talented and seem like a really hard worker, so I’m thinking that you won’t have to worry for long. Best of luck! Keep us updated!
Caroline
August 19, 2011 at 1:03 pmSorry to hear about losing one of your bigger clients, but stay positive! You’re a very talented and smart woman, I’m sure all will work out. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life…I studied English & journalism in college, then went on to work in music pr, which I’m absolutely loving. There’s still a part of me that would like to work in a food related job though. On a more positive note, that rice sounds delicious! I have no problem eating/cooking Mexican food every day, so I’m right there with ya. 🙂
shannon
August 19, 2011 at 12:25 pmhmm, well, i’m still looking for that something, so I’ll let you know if it happens… in the mean time, keep your chin up, things will come together!!!
Mary
August 19, 2011 at 12:13 pmLife sometimes sends us crashing into brick walls. The amazing thing is that we recover from it. It’s wonderful when what we love to do pays the bills, but it doesn’t happen often and choices have to be made. Take some quiet time and puzzle through where you want to be in ten years . You’ll get through this as long as you don’t lose faith in yourself. Have a good day. Hugs and blessings…Mary
sarah
August 19, 2011 at 11:35 amSheesh, you are facing some rough stuff. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I have never known what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was constantly changing majors, getting hired and quitting jobs after I was bored. I just worked to eat and live and did what I liked. I used to obsess about finding something perfect. I’ve enrolled in many different colleges, have so many credits that I would have a degree by now, but they mean nothing, yet I still do nothing in those fields I studied.
It took a long time to realize what I’m really good at, and a few years of working jobs I really don’t like. It took letting go (and praying, but that’s not everyones road). Finally I realized I don’t have to do just one thing. I can do the many things I’m good at and love and work around the money (I’m very blessed in that department that my money isn’t what the family relies on). I’ve saved, gone with out and been creative to give the family what they need all while pursuing everything I love.
I have no real advice other than don’t give up. You may have to ‘make due’ for a while, but you are very talented and I’m sure you will find something you eventually LOVE. Just from your blog you seem like someone who puts her heart into what she does, and at the core that is what it is all about.
Linda
August 19, 2011 at 11:23 amMaris, I’m sorry to hear you’re in this difficult time. I know it’s harder to push forward when bills are needing to be paid. I think you’re very talented and you’ve been given alot of good advice here. I would ditto it all and add that I still believe when you do what you love, the money will come. Keep your chin up!
naomi
August 19, 2011 at 11:15 amFirst off, *HUGS* to you, Maris. I’m sorry I have no great advice. I’m not in my dream job. I have a great job, but yeah, but given a perfect world I would be doing something else.
That said, stick to what to your passion is even if it’s not at the fore front of making money. Unfortunately, many of us have to do that. The lucky few and fortunate get to merry the two.
Janeen
August 19, 2011 at 10:41 amI have had more than a few jobs in my time and not all of them are where I would have liked to have been at the time. But looking back on each of the jobs that I held that I did not think were right for me, they gave me a specific skill or knowledge that allowed me to be in the position I am in today. I took those jobs because I had to pay the bills and it was what I could find at the time. There was no grand plan, just feeding and housing myself and my son. So I do not ramble, I will sum it up with the main idea … put yourself out there without a preconceived notion of where you need to be and you will end up right where you are intended to be, even if it doesn’t look like it at the time. And remember, anyone would be lucky to have you on their team.
The Teenage Taste
August 19, 2011 at 10:22 amI’m loving all the Mexican-inspired dishes you’ve been posting on your blog lately. I LOVE Mexican food! 🙂
emily (a nutritionist eats)
August 19, 2011 at 10:20 amSo sorry to hear this Maris!
I’m sort of going through something similar and it is tough. I go from being excited/optimistic to straight panicking. But you will get through it – this I know!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
August 19, 2011 at 9:25 amYum! I love Mexican food and although I’m not usually big on Mexican rice at restaurants, this homemade stuff looks delicious!
chopinandmysaucepan
August 19, 2011 at 9:11 amClose your eyes, take a deep breath and think of 5 things that you love doing that makes you very happy and motivated. Then, try and find a connection between at least two of these 5 things and start drawing a mind map of a business. If you are passionate and think thoroughly enough, you WILL find that connection that will result in a vocation that you will love doing and will never need to work again for the rest of your life. Never work hard, just work smart.
newlywed
August 19, 2011 at 8:57 amThe recipe looks great — I’m always looking for fun ways to change up side dishes.
Sorry to hear about your job woes. Yuck. Your 20’s can really suck for this reason…there is still so much to figure out. You have diverse interests that don’t necessarily correspond to one clear career path. Remember when we were little and wanted to a be a teacher, a dancer, or a fireman? If only it were so easy! My only advice is to get what you can and want out of each working situation so that it can better prepare you for the next.
brandi
August 19, 2011 at 8:56 amhonestly, i’m still trying to figure that out for myself. i’m not in a job i love – i’m still looking for it. blogging and cooking are my outlets. i would love for them to be my “job” but a lot of things would have to happen for that to be enough to pay our bills.
Sue/the view from great island
August 19, 2011 at 8:53 amGosh, life never goes smoothly for very long. The good news is that you’re young, and that’s the time to experiment. Maybe losing your client will result in a change for the better. You have a strong and sincere writing style, I really enjoy your blog!
Greg
August 19, 2011 at 8:51 amThis is great. Mexican is so versatile and fun. Katherine says she could give up BBQ and never think twice (the horrors) and about any cuisine really, except Mexican and Italian.
The Teacher Cooks
August 19, 2011 at 8:47 amI am so sorry that you are going through this. Two of my family members have been struggling with job loss, but out of no where the answer came. I am lucky! I knew in the ninth grade that I wanted to teach and have loved every minute of it, but everyone is not so lucky. Try to stay positive and I will be thinking of you.
bonnie at sweet life
August 19, 2011 at 8:38 amI’m so sorry Maris! I know how hard you work at maintaing your blog so I can imagine your passion you put forth in your job. I was in education earlier in my life, then I married had kids and left the work place. I have attempted to slowly add to my education but find it very stressful with my little ones and constant moving with hubby’s job. So I take classes when I can and pray to some day be back in the work force. I know something great is waiting for you in the future, your talented and such an amazing women. good luck, sending you abrazos!!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
August 19, 2011 at 8:37 amActually I love recipes like this! We eat rice and I always like to try new ways to have it so thank you Maris!
yummychunklet
August 19, 2011 at 8:27 amInteresting. I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was a little kid hearing stories about my grandfather who was an attorney and then became a judge in the Philippines. However, now that I’ve been practicing for awhile, I’m looking for my next “challenge”. I seem to always need to be “working towards something”. Good luck with your own search!
Kay
August 19, 2011 at 8:18 amThis looks delicious!
As far as career-oriented advice, I think we’re all trying to find that balance. Keep up your good work and go with your instincts!
Simply Life
August 19, 2011 at 7:37 amoh gosh, sorry to hear this has happened. I think it’s so bold and exciting that you left your full-time job to really pursue your passions and it sounds like you know what you’re passionate about!
I’m not quite sure if anyone ever really knows what they want to do with their life. Right now, I LOVE my job but I really don’t think a perfect job exists – I also LOVED my last job…for the first year and then things changed at the agency and also with myself and it wasn’t the best fit anymore. I hope this is just a rough patch and is just a way to feel even more grateful for when that next opportunity is now able to come along. Please keep up posted!
Kitchen Belleicious
August 19, 2011 at 7:30 amMight be simple but it is delicious and looks perfectly cooked! It’s so funny to me to think back when I really didn’t do a good job cooking rice. It always came out hard or too mushy! Good thing for practice makes perfect! This looks great
Daryl (mom)
August 19, 2011 at 7:01 amYou are a very talented, highly motivated and ambitious woman. And young. You will find your way, there is no doubt about that. In the process we do what we have to do to keep afloat, and things have a way of working out. You may pout for a minute, then get over it and forge on. I love you!
Blond Duck
August 19, 2011 at 6:53 amI’m sorry. I understand. I’m in the same boat right now–I’m starting to teach classes in the fall because I couldn’t deal with chasing freelance clients, I’m stressed enough trying to get published in fiction! It’s hard road for writers right now.
Marina
August 19, 2011 at 1:48 amI love this rice.. mmmm.. Mexican food is my favorite.
I think I still don’t know what I want to do with my life, I am still looking.. I always thought I wanted to be a journalist, I finish that school, but now I can’t see myself as a journalist.. I feel little bit helpless because I don’t know what I want to do, I often think about that.. I really don’t know, so many things interest me 🙂 That’s hard.
Junia @ Mis Pensamientos
August 18, 2011 at 11:53 pmi am all about simple too :). love the green rice! hmmm i chose my career as a teacher because i really love kids, empowering them, i love teaching. it gets me so excited thinking about it… whenever i talk to ppl about life vision, i always tell them to think about their passions as a starting point! hope that helps!
bakerbynature
August 18, 2011 at 10:08 pmOh Maris, I feel you sweets! I work at a hellish day job, and I am constantly wondering how to transition myself to a place where i’m just happy and not broke- it will happen for us both. The best advice I can give- surround yourself with positive people and love in everything you do.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
August 18, 2011 at 9:24 pm“While my life is complicated, I’m going to focus on the simple” — good!
And I am so sorry to hear about this, Maris. Trust me, I have had MANY things the past 12 mos that are total surprises..from finding out my hubs’ biz and clients are wayyyyy in a different place$ than we planned on, thus, I work like a dog…to finding out with 2 weeks notice that we had to move b/c landlord was selling out bldg…things and times like this, you just dig down deep, work insanely hard, get really creative and resourceful, and pray things turn around.
And for you, I know they will. You work insanely hard!! and are up all hrs of the day and night…you comment on my blog at all hours of the day/night and I know you are at your desk working super hard.
I am doing the same. I wish you luck and strength!!!
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
August 18, 2011 at 9:18 pmDo what you love with energy and it will work out!
This is one of my most favorite rice dishes. Yum
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
August 18, 2011 at 8:55 pmOh, wow, Maris…I’m so sorry to hear that. While I’m confident that someone as talented as you clearly are is going to find something before she knows it…I also know that saying that really doesn’t do anything to help right now.
I wish I could give you any sort of advice–I’m in my first entry level job myself, and at the moment I have no idea if it’s something I’ll be staying with, either this job or the industry itself. There are many days I wish I could get paid for reading food blogs and bookmarking recipes to try…but I digress. What I do know is that finding a way to do what you love and get paid for it isn’t easy. I will keep my fingers (and toes) crossed that something wonderful jumps in your path really soon.
Elle @ We can begin to feed...
August 18, 2011 at 8:26 pmIt’s tough when things don’t work out the way we had hoped… I think it means that something will open up for you that is even better. Keep your ears and eyes open and look for signs. They will be there. Trust yourself. Find your strong.
Wendy
August 18, 2011 at 8:19 pmOh, Maris – sorry to hear of your troubles. I have no advice, as I still haven’t figured out how to get paid to do what I love. I hope that a path will become clear for you.
Erica
August 18, 2011 at 8:10 pmMy heart is with you. It is hard to find a balance between what you love to do… And what pays the bills. I found a balance by working my day job part time and teaching group fitness part time- best of both worlds! The rice sounds spicy and delicious
EA-The Spicy RD
August 18, 2011 at 8:05 pmI love this as an alternative to the standard Mexican/Rice, and anything with cilantro gets my vote! My life today is fairly different than I imagined it would be, but I’m really happy where I’m at. I always thought I would have kids, but never thought I would quit work to stay home with them. Now, I’m trying to balance motherhood with work and it’s a challenge but very rewarding . My best advice is to be open to any and all possibilities life may bring you!
Taylor
August 18, 2011 at 7:33 pmOriginally, I started out as a journalism major. I made a major change after a couple of my friends were in a major accident and one of them was severely burned and hospitalized for months. When I saw him working with his physical therapist, I was inspired. The day we saw him walk for the first time, there wasn’t a dry eye on the burn unit and I knew I wanted to make that sort of impact on someone else’s life. Six years later, I’m just starting my career as a physical therapist! This probably doesn’t help you, but I guess the basic idea is to find something inspiring, and go with it! Good luck Maris…I look forward to hearing about your upcoming life changes!
Melissa@IWasBornToCook
August 18, 2011 at 7:32 pmI’m sorry you’re so torn! But, you’ll figure it out. It will come together, even if right now it seems like that isn’t possible. I changed careers when I was 28 (many years ago, lol) and although it was scary at the time, it was absolutely for the best. Keep your chin up! 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet
August 18, 2011 at 7:27 pmfor me, i’ve struggled on/off with the acting career since i can remember remembering (i started when i was five!) all i know is that nothing else makes me happier. even though i’m not getting paid for what i do, i still love it. that’s a sign it’s what i should be doing.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)
August 18, 2011 at 7:18 pmOne thing I can tell you is that there is no timeline for finding the work you’re meant to do. When I was younger, the technology didn’t exist to allow me to do the work I do today. So the work I envisioned was much different — and I never imagined I could do more than one job at a time (thank you, Internet, for making that possible). The only advice I’ll give is that your next job won’t be your last job, and it’s easier to make good decisions when you’re not stressed about where the rent money is going to come from. Look for something that will pay the bills (could be anything — PR or barista, doesn’t matter), and buy yourself some breathing room.
Courtney
August 18, 2011 at 6:52 pmI have absolutely no advice – I’ve been working with special needs children in a therapy school for about 5 years now and I’m rethinking it because I’ll have to start paying $400 a month for health insurance starting next July. Granted I have a job, but that’s almost half my rent! I wish you the best of luck. By the way the rice sounds delicious, I’ll be trying it soon! 🙂
Barefoot Pregnant and In The Kitchen
August 18, 2011 at 6:41 pmI still don’t know what I want to do with my career/life. I was in education before becoming a mom… as soon as kids entered the picture my focus changed completly. I think about the day when they are all in school and its time for me to go back to work…. I know I do not want to teach again. I actually feel like I have a ticking clock over my head… 5 more years till my youngest enters school… then what?
Liz
August 18, 2011 at 6:38 pmOh, Maris, I’m so sorry for your job woes…I think 3 Cookies gave some good advice. I’ll keep my fingers crossed the right thing comes your way.
Your rice sounds so marvelous…I have chicken enchiladas on our menu once the heat of the summer breaks, and this rice looks like the perfect accompaniment. xoxo
Three-Cookies
August 18, 2011 at 6:09 pmI’ve gone through something similar – dropping full time (regular income) jobs to pursue jobs of personal interest. Its quite easy to get carried away with doing what we like or doing ‘good things’ while remaining optimistic that somehow income will come through the doors. Unfortunately not always the case – I had to really focus on cashflow projects that bring in income while I work on larger projects that may pay off in the long run. But John Keynes said “In the long run we are all dead”