Louisiana Heirloom Recipes – Perfect Thanksgiving Dishes Featuring Farmers Rice
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, celebrate gratitude, and indulge in comforting, delicious meals. At Farmers Rice, we know the holiday isn’t complete without the family recipes that brings warmth and tradition to the table. To help inspire your Thanksgiving menu, we’re featuring three heirloom recipes made with Farmers Rice—recipes that have been passed down for generations in the Farmers family. Rooted in Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions, these dishes are perfect for adding a touch of Southern charm to your holiday feast.
Rice Dressing with Louisiana Flair
A staple in Louisiana holiday meals, this rice dressing offers a delightful alternative to traditional bread-based stuffing. Infused with the flavors of the South, it’s a hearty side that complements any Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Farmers Rice
- 1 pound ground chuck
- ½ pound ground pork
- 2 cups raw rice, cooked
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 2 ounces pimentos
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Brown the beef and pork.
- Add salt, peppers and lower heat to medium.
- Add white onion and bell pepper and mix thoroughly.
- Cover and let wilt until juices rise, then blend juices back into meat. Repeat about 3 times.
- Add in remaining seasonings and cover, letting juices rise, thoroughly.
- Mix in rice until desired consistency.
- Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.
Rice with Snow Peas and Mushrooms
This elegant side dish combines the nutty flavor of Farmers Rice with the crispness of snow peas and the earthiness of mushrooms, bringing a touch of sophistication to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
- Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 10 ounces shitake mushrooms, without stems, cut into
- ¼ inch wide strips
- 2 carrots, in sticks 2 inches long and ¼ inch wide
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 green onion, chopped for garnish
- 1 ½ cups raw rice, cooked
Directions:
- Cook the snow peas in boiling salted water just until bright green, about 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Spray wok with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper until very beaten.
- Pour into wok, coating the bottom with the eggs.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook until the egg is set, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the wok from the heat. Loosen the edges of the egg pancake using a rubber spatula. Still in the wok, roll up the egg pancake into a cylinder.
- Slide out of the pan onto a work surface and cool slightly.
- Cut crosswise into ¼ inch wide strips. Unroll the strips and set aside.
- Add the oil to the wok and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add mushrooms and carrots. Cook until the mushrooms are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add broth, soy sauce, sherry, vinegar and sugar and bring to a simmer. Add the bean sprouts.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture, add to the wok, and cook until the sauce is lightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in the snow peas.
- Spoon the rice onto plates and top with the vegetables and then the egg strips. Sprinkle with the green onion and serve to all those surely thankful friends and family.
Consommé Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish, consommé rice is cooked in a rich broth, absorbing all the savory goodness, making it a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 20 ounces consommé soup
- ¼ pound butter
- 1 cup raw rice
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a dish.
- Add all remaining ingredients and mix.
- Bake for 1 hour.
These recipes highlight the versatility of Farmers Rice, transforming it into the foundation of dishes that are as comforting as they are flavorful. Each one is a testament to Louisiana’s culinary heritage and a nod to the traditions that make Thanksgiving so special. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a more intimate meal, these recipes will bring a touch of Louisiana warmth to your table.
“Thanksgiving is about celebrating family, tradition, and the flavors that bring us together,” says Nanette Noland, Owner and President of Farmers Rice Milling Co. “With recipes that have been passed down through generations in my family, we’re proud to share a taste of our history and a bit of Louisiana with families across the country this holiday season.”