ARROZ MORO

I like making arroz moro with an electric pressure cooker. If you don't have one, just do it the old fashioned way and use your stove.  The recipe is for use in a pressure cooker, but it doesn't change much in a conventional pot.

• Electric pressure cooker (mine is from BeneCasa)
• 1 cup of dry small red beans 
• 3 cups of water
• 1 tsp salt

Put beans, water and salt in pressure cooker.  Close cooker, lock the pressure valve and press the setting for beans or set it for 30 minutes.  When timer is done allow the cooker to cool down, about another 30 minutes and open carefully after unlocking valve and letting out any steam left.

• 3 tbs sofrito (either homemade or store bought)
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 3 1/2 cups of rice
• 1 cup of water
• 2-3 pkg sazon w/ achiote (taste and decide if you need the third package)

Mix these ingredients into the cooker and close cooker and lock the pressure valve.  Set it for rice or 6 minutes.  When timer is done allow the cooker to cool down, about another 30 minutes and open carefully after unlocking valve and letting out any steam left.  Stir the rice and enjoy! 

SPINACH LASAGNA

Spinach Filling

• 32 oz Ricotta 
• 1/2 cup Fontinella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup 6 italian cheeses shredded (comes prepackaged)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 box of frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained of any excess liquid

Mix cheeses, seasonings, egg and spinach in a large bowl.

• 1 box of no bake lasagna noodles (soak noodles in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften)
• 1 jar of your favorite sauce (my choice Bertolli tomato and basil)
• about 6-7 ounces of 6 italian cheeses shredded (comes prepackaged)
• italian seasoning (about 2 tsp)
• grated parmesan cheese (enough to sprinkle over lasagna)

Pour some sauce on bottom of glass 9X12 pan, enough to cover it.  Take softened noodles and spread some spinach mixture on them and roll them like a cannolli.  Line them up next to each other until pan is full. (do not place rolls to tightly next to each other, give them room to expand a little)  Pour sauce over rolled noodles and then sprinkle cheese evenly.  Sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese and italian seasoning over noodles.  Bake covered for about 35 minutes at 375 degrees and uncover and bake for about 10 minutes or until bubbly.  Let it sit for a few minutes before you serve.  Enjoy!