Quick-braised Brocoli with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

Made this for dinner tonight and had to post it before I forget.  It was THAT good.  And a pretty healthy dish too! Found it in my April Vegetarian Times. 

Serve over steamed brown rice.

Ingredients:

2 T pine nuts

1 1/2 T vegetable oil

2 large heads of broccoli (1lb) cut into small florettes

1/4 c crumbled goat cheese (2oz)

1/4 c oil packed sun dried tomatoes, drained and sliced

1 T balsamic vinegar

Instructions: 

• Toast the pine nuts in dry skillet over med heat 3 to 4 min, stirring occ. Transfer to large bowl.

• Heat oil in same skillet over med high heat. Add broccoli and cook 2 min, or until florets are evenly coated with oil and beginning to soften and brown, stirring constantly. Carefully add 1.2 c water; cover tightly with lid. Steam broccoli 4 min or until water has evaporated and broccoli is tender.

• Transfer broccoli to bowl with toasted pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle goat cheese over broccoli, and stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle vinegar over top and serve warm. 

Number of Servings: 6

Sweet Pepper Rice

3 TBSP butter

1 sweet onion, finely chopped

1/2 red pepper, finely chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/3 cup long grain white rice

3 cups chicken stock

Directions:

1. In a large saute pan, melt butter & add onion & pepper. Cook until soft & onion is translucent. Add cilantro & salt & garlic powder, cook another minute. Add rice & brown. watch closely as not to burn.

2. Dissolve sugar into chicken stock. When completely dissolve, add to rice. Bring to a simmer, turn to low & cover. cook covered for 30 minutes. Fluff with fork.

Serve with these Sweet Lime Chile Enchiladas.

Cafe Rio {like} Salad

To make salads:

Cook flour tortillas on a griddle with a little vegetable oil until brown.

Put in bowl with meat (pork or chicken), rice, beans (black or pinto), lettuce, fresh diced tomato and top with a sprig of fresh cilantro and some parmesan cheese and avacado (optional).

Top with dressing. Enjoy!

*click on bold for recipes of each.

Cafe Rio {like} Rice

3 cups water
4 t chicken bouillon
1 T lime juice (1/2 juice fresh lime)
4 t garlic –minced

½ bunch cilantro

1 can green chilies—or equivalent fresh
¾ t salt
1 T butter
½ onion
3 cups rice (see note)

Blend cilantro, green chiles and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients, simmer covered 30 minutes.

* This recipe makes a lot of rice. You may consider cutting everything in half for smaller groups.
*SERVE WITH THIS SALAD.