Tropical Pineapple Ham Rice Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the tropics with this Tropical Pineapple Ham Rice Delight. This one-dish meal combines tender rice with savory cubed ham and juicy pineapple chunks, all infused with aromatic spices and fresh garlic. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both colorful and delectable. Easy to prepare, it brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Serve it garnished with crispy fried shallots and spicy red chili for an extra kick!
6
Servings
200
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
Cooked Ham
8 ounces, cubed (cut into cubes)
Canned Pineapple Chunks
15 ounces (drained, reserve liquid)
Butter
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Garlic Cloves
3 cloves (peeled and sliced)
Cinnamon Stick
1 stick (whole)
Turmeric Powder
1 tablespoon (for flavoring)
Curry Powder
1 tablespoon (for flavoring)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Sugar
1/2 tablespoon (for balancing flavors)
Long Grain Rice
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and drained)
Boiling Water
2 1/2 cups (for cooking rice)
Fried Shallots
As desired (for garnish)
Red Chili Pepper
As desired (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the cubed ham and pineapple chunks, frying them until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
2
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic slices and the cinnamon stick, stirring them until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, curry powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and sugar, and mix well to combine the spices with the butter and garlic.
4
Introduce the rinsed and drained long grain rice into the pan, stirring to coat it with the spice mixture for about a minute.
5
Pour in the reserved pineapple juice followed by the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow the rice to simmer for about 20 minutes. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to ensure the rice cooks entirely.
6
Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the browned ham and pineapple chunks, stirring until everything is heated through. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
7
For an appealing presentation, garnish the dish with fried shallots and thinly sliced red chili pepper.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
6g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Pineapple Ham Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal that combines tender rice, savory cubed ham, and juicy pineapple chunks infused with aromatic spices like turmeric and curry.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories, 5g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, 6g of protein, and 1g of fiber.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long grain rice is recommended for this recipe, and it should be rinsed and drained before cooking.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned pineapple chunks to utilize the reserved juice, you can use fresh pineapple and substitute the juice with store-bought pineapple juice.
What spices give the rice its color and flavor?
The dish uses turmeric powder for color and curry powder along with a cinnamon stick for a deep, aromatic tropical flavor.
How much ham is required?
You will need 8 ounces of cooked ham cut into cubes.
What is the first step in preparing this meal?
The first step is to fry the cubed ham and pineapple chunks in vegetable oil until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes or until it is entirely cooked.
What should I do with the cinnamon stick?
The cinnamon stick should be removed from the rice before serving the dish.
What garnishes are suggested for this recipe?
For an appealing presentation and extra flavor, garnish with crispy fried shallots and thinly sliced red chili pepper.
Do I need to use boiling water?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 1/2 cups of boiling water to cook the rice properly.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the spice mixture.
How is the garlic prepared?
Three garlic cloves should be peeled and sliced before being sauteed in butter.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the rice?
A half tablespoon of sugar is used to help balance the savory and spicy flavors of the dish.
Can I add more water during the simmering process?
Yes, you should check the rice occasionally and add more water if needed to ensure it cooks through.
What oil is used for frying the ham?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used for the initial frying of the ham and pineapple.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare one-dish meal perfect for families.
When do I add the cooked ham and pineapple back into the rice?
Once the rice is fully cooked, gently fold the browned ham and pineapple chunks back into the pan until heated through.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt for seasoning.
What is the primary fat used to sauté the spices?
Two tablespoons of butter are used to melt and sauté the garlic, cinnamon stick, and spice powders.
What makes this dish tropical?
The combination of pineapple, pineapple juice, curry, and cinnamon gives the dish its signature tropical profile.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of long grain rice.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish itself is aromatic, but the spice level can be increased by adding the optional red chili pepper garnish.
How much liquid is used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in a combination of the reserved juice from a 15-ounce can of pineapple and 2 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Can this be served at a party?
Absolutely, its colorful presentation and delectable flavor make it ideal for gatherings with friends.
Does the recipe include fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1g of dietary fiber.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains 6g of protein.
What is the consistency of the final dish?
The final dish is a tender rice pilaf-style meal with integrated chunks of fruit and meat.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after 20 minutes?
If the rice is not yet tender, add a small amount of extra water and continue to simmer on low heat while covered.