I recreated the Buttered Garlic Rice with Cilantro and Sultanos we enjoyed for breakfast at a Manila brunch buffet. The garlic rice is sprinkled with cilantro and sweetened with sultanas, giant raisins. I paired it with a Filipino favorite, salty fish (bottled) and can be found in Filipino or Asian groceries .I served these with eggs, sunny side. No other comfort food is as easy as this. And it’s the best way to start any day. This is an Asian in America recipe.
3 to 4cupscooked white riceat least a day old, previously refrigerated
2Tablespoonsvegetable oil
2Tablespoonsunsalted butter
2clovesgarlicpeeled, minced
1wholemedium-sized onionfinely chopped
1cupsultanas or giant raisins
1/2cupchopped fresh cilantro
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonground black pepper
2 to 4wholecooked fried eggssunny side
2 to 4piecesbottled salted sardinesfrom Filipino or Asian markets
Instructions
Make sure cooked rice is at least a day old and has been refrigerated.
In a large skillet, over medium high heat, add vegetable oil and butter. In a minute, the butter will melt. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions and quickly mash it all over skillet.
Add the sultanas or raisins. Blend well in the butter for 1 minute.
Add the rice and mix all over. Blend it well with the sultanas, garlic, onions and butter. Add the chopped cilantro and blend. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with eggs, salted fish or cured pork sausages, the Filipino longaniza.
Cook's Comments: Garlic fried rice is best done when you use cooked rice that's a day old. Be sure to keep in the refrigerator the cooked rice you plan to use for this recipe. Cooked rice spoils quickly if not refrigerated.
DISCLOSURE : I'd like to give a big THANKS to the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati, for giving us a complimentary stay and breakfast, as part of my prize from the "Doreen G. Fernandez Food Writing Awards 2012". I was not paid by any brands or stores to mention or show photos of their sites or products. These destinations were my own personal choices and not influenced by any business entity.
Photography credits: Many thanks to Constante G. Quirino and Tim Quirino for their Philippine photos.