THE PETERSENS

This is a vegetarian recipe that my family absolutely adores.  The cookbook I got this from is phenomenal and I would really like to purchase it for myself someday soon.  Meanwhile, I am thankful for friends who are willing to let me borrow their cookbooks.  Thanks, Kimberly!  Oh, and sorry there’s no picture.  I promise to improve on taking pictures of the foods I make!

Ingredients:
3 cups water
1 tsp canola oil (I use olive oil)
1-1/2 cups rice (I use 2 cups brown rice)
Butter for greasing (I do without this)
1 (15-oz) can pinto or kidney beans, rinsed in a strainer (I used dry beans, which I had soaked and cooked already)
1/2 cup tomato sauce (I used a can of Ro-tel, with diced tomatoes and green chiles)
1 (4-oz) can chopped green chilies, drained (went with the Ro-tel instead)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin (I used a bit more)
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup sour cream
3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers (I only use 2 cups and have done other cheeses as well…whatever I have!)
*I also saute some fresh onion (1/3 cup) and garlic (1 tbs.) and mix it in with the rice mixture.  I also just cook the brown rice according to it’s directions instead.

Directions:
1. Combine the water and oil in a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover the pot, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the rice about 17 min (longer for brown rice), or until all the water is absorbed. Place in a large bowl and let cool.
*I just cook my rice according the directions on the package.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish or oval gratin dish.

3. Mix the beans, tomato sauce, chilies, chili powder, and salt into the rice. Spread half of the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the sour cream and half of the cheese. Spread on the remaining rice mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil. The casserole may be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Bring to room temperature before baking. Bake 30 minutes or until piping hot throughout. Serve immediately.