Canadian Culinary Guide

canadian culinary guide

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

When touring Prince Edward Island (PEI), visitors will see miles of lush rolling farmlands and coastlines dotted with fishing harbours. The food industry is this province’s single most important contributor to its economy. PEI is proud of its "clean and green" reputation worldwide and offers tourists a wonderful opportunity to tour and taste some of the best foods the province has to offer.

Along with great food, PEI produces world-class chefs. And every chef needs a classic side to brighten any dish. This pilaf is the perfect accompaniment to any lonely fish or meat entrée. Chef Austin Clement of The Culinary Institute of Canada truly demonstrates the versatility of rice in this trusty standby.

"Rice being numerous in varieties and diverse in ethnicity is a chefs dream. It’s one of the only ingredients available to chefs that can fit into dishes of almost any theme, making it an easy sell to customers and an overall joy to work with.” ~ Chef Austin Clement

Basic Rice Pilaf

2 tbsp	butter, divided	30 mL
1/2 cup	finely chopped onions	125 mL
2 cups	USA long grain rice	500 mL
3 cups	boiling chicken broth	750 mL
1	bay leaf	1
1	sprig fresh thyme	1
1/2 tsp	each, salt and white pepper	2 mL

Heat 1-1/2 tbsp (20 mL) of the butter in a heavy ovenproof saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion; cook until translucent without browning, about 5 minutes. Add rice, stirring constantly until each grain of rice is coated with butter, about 2 minutes.

Pour in boiling broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, remaining butter, salt and pepper. Bring to simmer and cover.

Place in a 350 F (180 C) oven and bake until all liquids are absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.

CHEF BIO: Chef Austin Clement graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of Canada. He has worked in various restaurants and hotels across PEI. In 1999, he was named PEI’s “Chef of the Year”. He is currently a Chef Instructor with The Culinary Institute of Canada.

COLLEGE BIO: The Culinary Institute of Canada, located at Holland College's Tourism and Culinary Centre, has been training aspiring chefs since 1983 and is regarded by many as the premiere culinary school in Canada. Students are drawn from around the world to the Institute, where they have the opportunity to enjoy the unique cultural experience of PEI and Atlantic Canada while at the same time developing the necessary skills to launch a successful culinary career.