Stuffed Bell Peppers, Spanish Rice and Side Salad

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained well)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 pcs yellow onion (medium, finely chopped)
• 2 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 pcs lime (cut into wedges for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast the Rice

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
   • Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until the grains turn opaque and are lightly golden and fragrant.
2. 2

   Sauté the Aromatics

   • Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. 3

   Combine Liquids and Spices

   • Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
   • Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. 4

   Simmer the Rice

   • Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.

Ingredients

• 1 large head Romaine Lettuce (Washed, dried, and chopped)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
• 1 medium Cucumber (Peeled and sliced)
• 1 medium Carrot (Shredded)
• 0.25 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Croutons (Use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
• 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing (Or more, to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes)

   • Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce leaves. Dry them completely using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp salad.
   • Chop the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
   • Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and slice the cucumber, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the lettuce.
2. 2

   Combine the Salad Base (2 minutes)

   • Gently toss the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and red onion together in the bowl.
   • Ensure all the vegetables are evenly distributed. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours if preparing ahead.
3. 3

   Dress and Serve (3 minutes)

   • Just before you are ready to serve, add the croutons to the salad bowl.
   • Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad.
   • Toss gently until all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
   • Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the crunch of the croutons.