ArchetypeMe: Sweet Studded Rice Salad

Looking for a quick and delicious spin on the most common of pantry staples? This simple rice salad recipe provides a subtle sweetness from the raisins, while also packing each bite with a rainbow of nutrients. A touch of honey in the dressing gives this dish an unexpected flavor without being overpowering (or too sugar laden for the kids). A pinch of ginger and cinnamon allows for a complexity not often found in a basic rice dish that will appeal to kids and adults alike!

What Matters to Busy Caregivers?

This dish allows the entire family to get involved:

While the rice is cooking, have children safely peel and grate the carrots, dice the peppers, and drain and rinse the beans (supervision needed, of course).

Reinforce math skills by having children measure the wet and dry ingredients.

Have kids help make the dressing by squeezing the limes and whisking the ingredients.

For cheese lovers: Toss in 3/4 cup of shredded cheese.

Yields 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

Rice Salad

1 1/2 cups brown rice

2 carrots, peeled and grated

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1 (15.5 ounce) can red kidney, lime, or pink beans; drained and rinsed

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup frozen or shelled edamame, defrosted

Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon dried mint, or to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions. Allow to cool.

2. Place the edamame in a large bowl. Add the carrots, bell peppers, beans, and raisins.

3. Add salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. In a separate small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk.

5. Pour the dressing over the rice and other ingredients, and gently stir.

6. Chill and serve.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.