Shrimp with Chile Cilantro Rice

Shrimp and bacon top a tasty cilantro and green chile-flecked rice. Great for special occasions and potlucks.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 cup green chile-cilantro pesto (recipe follows)
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 slices of bacon
1 pound large or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salsa for accompaniment

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine rice, Green Chile-Cilantro Pesto and broth in medium saucepan; cook over medium heat until heated through. Keep warm.
2. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Crumble bacon; set aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add shrimp, green onions and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
3. Place rice mixture on platter; top with shrimp mixture, salsa and bacon.

Makes 6 servings.

Green Chile-Cilantro Pesto: Combine 2 cups fresh cilantro sprigs, 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chiles, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 4 large cloves peeled garlic and 1 tablespoon lime juice in food processor or blender; cover. Process until well chopped. Process, while slowly adding 1/2 cup corn oil, for additional 20 to 30 seconds or until almost smooth.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Ortega and B&G Foods, Inc.