Chirstmas foods from around the world - South America

We took our taste buds down to South America today and what a treat it was! Both of these recipes were excellent. This is a bit fancier than we usually would eat but it was well worth the extra prep time. The rice is especially moist and rich from being covered in the oil before boiling.

Ninos Envueltos - Argentina

The name means "babies in blankets"

Two 4 oz. rump or sirloin steaks

salt and pepper

1/2 C. cooked spinach, chopped

1 hard boiled egg, chopped

6 oz. ham, chopped

1 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. flour

1 tbsp. olive oil

8 oz. can of chopped tomatoes

Squeeze as much water out of the spinach as possible. Combine finely chopped spinach, egg, ham and butter. Lay out the pieces of steak and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon the spinach mixture (baby) into the middle of the steaks, wrap the steak (blanket) around the mixture. Secure with a toothpick. Roll the bundles in flour and fry in the oil for 1 - 2 minutes until brown on all sides. Add tomatoes after they are brown, put a lid on the pan and cook on low for about 20 minutes. If needed add extra water to keep them moist during the cooking time.

Savory Rice - Brazil

1/2 chicken stock cube

1 1/2 C water

olive oil

1 onion

3/4 C rice

2 tbsp. chopped canned tomatoes

salt

Combine 1 1/2 C. water and chicken stock base in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Chop onion and fry in olive oil until translucent. Add rice and stir until all grains are covered with oil. Add rice, tomato and salt to the stock and boil. Reduce heat and cover until rice is cooked.