Southwestern Rice Salad

Southwestern Rice Salad
Originally uploaded by kdc4breastcancerfree
This isn't very photogenic, but it was really tasty. This is one of my original creations. It is a great hearty salad for any outdoor get together. It travels very well and makes a ton.

Southwestern Tempeh Rice Salad

2 cups brown long grain rice (measured before cooking)
4 cups water
1 8 oz pkg tempeh
1 t canola oil
1/8 t coriander
1/4 t cumin
1/4 t hot chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 C Vegan Ranch (I used homemade)
1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce (depending on how hot you like it
1 can black beans
1 fresh jalepeno roasted and peeled
1 fresh anaheim chili roasted and peeled
1 red bell pepper roasted and peeled
1 bunch cilantoro chopped
4 green onions sliced thin (both white and green parts)
2-3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t hot chili powder
1/4 t coriander
1 1/2 t salt
black peper to taste
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

Prepare your rice (this can be done ahead of time).

Now would be a good time to roast those peppers. When they cool, peel and dice them.

Blend the ranch and chipotles until smooth.

To prepare your tempeh:

Boil tempeh for 15 minutes. Drain. After draining, saute the tempeh and spices in oil for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool.

In the mean time get yourself a very large bowl. Mix together everything but the cherry tomatoes until well mixed. Gently mix in cherry tomatoes. Salt and pepper further to taste if needed.

This is best if it sits overnight. It makes a ton. It lends itself very well to variations.