Tonight's Dinner - Featuring Peanut Butter

In college and when I was living on my own.. this recipe was an absolute favorite.  It was the perfect dinner for one person and could easily be doubled. My version of Thai rice has so many different variations... it can be spicy or sweet... it can have a lot of veggies or none at all.  That's one of the great things about cooking.. it doesn't have to be exact and substitutes of ingredients are acceptable (and yes, that was a dig at baking).

Right now, I do not have chili or sesame oil in my pantry but, I'd definitely recommend using it if you have it available. Also if you do not own a wok.. then a wide pan would be okay.

Spicy Peanut Thai Rice

- 1 cup of Jasmine Rice

- 1/2 of a medium chopped onion

- 1 cup chopped pea pods

- 1/2 cup shredded carrots

- 1 clove garlic minced or grated

- 1 chicken breast chopped (optional)

- 2 eggs (optional)

- 1 cup of celery or green pepper, chopped

- 3 tbsp of soy sauce

- 1/2 cup of peanut sauce (I will give tips and a recipe for this)

- 1 tbsp of sesame oil (optional)

- 4 drops of chili oil (optional - and depending how spicy you like it)

- 1 or 2 tsp of crushed red pepper (optional - and depending how spicy you like it)

Steam or cook the rice in a medium sauce pan. I do have a rice steamer and would recommend using that if you have one. If you are making this for more than 2 people.. increase the amount of rice by 1/2 cup for every 2 people - especially if this is used as the main course. When the rice is done steaming.. combine these ingredients into the wok (or large pan) - onion, garlic, pea pods, green pepper (or celery), rice and carrots. Add any seasoning to your preference (i.e. crushed red pepper, salt, pepper). Once all ingredients have cooked over high heat for 5 minutes.. reduce heat to medium-low. Part the rice or create a "hole" in the center. Add the eggs. Once the eggs are heated through.. turn the heat back to medium and add the soy sauce and/or peanut sauce. Heat for a couple more minutes and serve.

Depending on how much time you have and what ingredients you have.. I recommend 1 of the 3 options for the peanut sauce. 

- Kraft Asian Sesame Dressing

- Bangkok Peanut Sauce (found in the Asian section of the grocery store)

... or ...

Combine 2 tbsp of peanut butter (melted), 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp of honey. Whisk together. 

Enjoy!! :)

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