Introducing a delectable culinary creation straight from the heart of the Southwestern United States – the tantalizing “Southwestern Bread Pudding” 🌶️. This dish isn’t your ordinary bread pudding; it’s a flavor-packed, spicy delight that can serve as the star of your meal or complement any dish with its robust taste profile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend brunches, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Southwestern Bread Pudding
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 9 slices of fresh cilantro-infused bread 🍞
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (about 1 cup) diced green chilies 🌶️
- 1 cup tomato bits 🍅
- 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels 🌽
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 🧀
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a 2-quart casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick vegetable spray. Set it aside for later use.
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In a large bowl, combine the cilantro-infused bread slices (cut into cubes), vegetable or chicken stock, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Gently mix everything together until the bread is well-coated with the liquid. Let it sit aside to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
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In a medium-size nonstick saucepan, combine the diced onion and minced garlic cloves. Cook them covered over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent scorching. Allow the onion to become translucent, which should take about 10 minutes.
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Once the onion is translucent, add the diced green chilies, tomato bits, fresh corn kernels, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the saucepan. Mix all the ingredients together well and cook them uncovered, stirring frequently, for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the bread mixture that you had set aside earlier. Be sure to combine everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
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Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – the reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese! Sprinkle it over the bread mixture in the bowl, and then gently fold it in until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Spoon the flavorful mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with Southwestern goodness.
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Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the Southwestern Bread Pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and intensify, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Serve this delightful dish as an entree, a side dish for fish, poultry, or meat, or even as the star of a brunch or lunch spread. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this spicy sensation straight from the heart of the Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Southwestern Bread Pudding is sure to impress with its bold flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy every flavorful bite and savor the essence of the Southwest in every mouthful! 🌵🍽️
