Rice Bowls

My latest discovery has been rice bowls - rice, tossed with a protein, tons of raw veggies, tons of herbs, maybe some cheese and a simple sauce. These are especially good for getting rid of leftover veggies & herbs - you know, that 1/2 head of cilantro leftover from your favorite mexican recipe. Just use whatever amounts you have & like. I personally go pretty heavy on the herbs, almost treating them like a lettuce green. Here are my two favorite combinations so far, but you should really experiment to find your own!

Vietnamese

white fish, cooked w/ salt & pepper in a frying pan w/ some olive oil

fresh basil (lots)

cilantro (lots)

green onions

sliced cucumbers (I like the persian ones at trader joes)

fresh pineapple chunks

Optional ideas: Napa Cabbage, lettuce, snap peas, red bell peppers, thin sliced onion

Sauce: Nuoc Cham (click for recipe)

Mediterranean

Canned tuna in oil, preferably an imported super delicious one (like Flott or Ortiz)

Canned garbanzo beans

Veggies - as many as you happen to have from this list:

Red Bell

shaved (thinly sliced) fennel

arugula, cabbage or lettuce

Avocado

snap peas

cherry tomatoes

basil

Feta cheese - I've been loving french feta lately, it seems softer, more like chevre

Sauce: olive oil, lemon juice, coarse salt & fresh ground pepper

Other:

I have to add that nuts are also amazing in rice bowls. So is a vinaigrette of oil & balsamic. Avocados are always excellent. Seriously, if it sounds good to you, or you have it sitting in your fridge, just throw it in.

Also, i have been buying this amazing organic brown basmati rice from costco. It comes in a colorful burlap bag. I have never been very fond of brown rice, but you barely even notice with this kind somehow. So look for it at costco. Super cute bag, organic, basamati. Have fun!!