Today we continue our theme of different foods we cook with Old Bay Seasoning. This time it’s a favorite of ours that we call Railroad Rice. We have no idea why we call it Railroad Rice, or who came up with the name but it’s stuck. This breakfast dish is a meal in itself, and is one of a few recipes we make for breakfast that has a substantial amount of green vegetables in it. Railroad Rice can also served as a luncheon dish.

We make Railroad Rice with authentic Basmati Rice from the Himalayas. While there are good quality American grown basmati rices, we feel that there is something to the real thing so we stick to original Basmati rice from India. If you’ve never had Basmati rice, then you’re really missing out on a delightfully light and flavorful rice. At Spice Place we sell Basmati in 15 pound bags, so you might want to try out Basmati in a 8oz store package first before investing in our large value package.

Recipe for Railroad Rice
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup cooked Basmati rice
• 2 to 3 slices chopped ‘turkey bacon’ or sliced ham
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 – 3 eggs
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese

1. Prepare the chopped vegetables. The pieces should be at most about 1/2 inch wide.
2. Add the canola oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium heat, and add the chopped vegetables. Cook the vegetables over medium heat, turning often, until they are just beginning to soften.
3. Add the turkey bacon or ham to pan.
4. Add the cooked Basmati rice^*, and stir. Cook the Basmati rice – vegetable mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until heated thorough.
5. Sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning over the rice mix, then add the eggs to the pan, and stir in well. Continue to cook, turning often until eggs are cooked.
6. Remove from heat, and place on serving dishes. Top with the shredded Cheddar cheese immediately, and serve.

^*This recipe is better if you use day old Basmati rice that’s been refrigerated at least overnight.

We mentioned Old Bay Hash Browns in our last entry. It’s an easy to make breakfast side dish and is flavored by our favorite spice blend, Old Bay Seasoning. Old Bay is a staple at our dinner table and we use it on lots of foods which we will continue to discuss here. While Old Bay is more usually associated with lunch and dinner dishes, it’s well suited for breakfast too. Our Old Bay Hash Brown Potatoes recipe will add something new to your breakfast fare.

Recipe for Old Bay Hash Brown Potatoes
Ingredients:

• 2 – 3 medium potatoes
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 3 tbsp chopped onion

1. Wash and peel the potatoes
2. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise, then place the flat side down on the cutting board. Slice each half lengthwise about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Cut again crosswise, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. If you can’t cook the potatoes immediately, place the diced potatoes in a pan and cover with water to prevent them from turning brown.
3. Lightly oil a 9 or 12 inch skillet with the canola oil. Place over medium – low heat and then add the potatoes. Cover the pan, and reduce heat to low.
4. Allow the potatoes to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn, and replace cover. Turn every 2 – 3 minutes until just starting to brown. It’s important to cook the potatoes in a covered pan so that they cook through.
5. Add the chopped onion to the potatoes, stir and turn. Cook uncovered turning frequently until the onions are translucent. Make sure the pan isn’t covered or the moisture from the onions will soften the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning to taste.