Creole Fried Rice

Maybe it’s a southern thing, but for as many years as I can remember, ham has been the main course at Easter Sunday dinners.  My family loves ham.  We used to be invited to dinner with friends when all our children were small.  There was always an Easter egg hunt, prizes, a wonderful whole ham cooked in Coca-Cola by our friend Elena, casseroles, and desserts.  Our daughter Allie was always concerned that we would get enough left over ham to make Creole Fried Rice.  I’ve had this recipe for more than 25 years so my kids grew up eating this simple dinner.  Maybe someday they will have families of their own and want to make this delicious rice dish.

Check the pantry and check to see if you have uncooked rice, eggs, salt, cooking oil, onion, celery, ham, soy sauce, green onions and a few frozen peas.  The original recipe calls for bacon drippings, green pepper and no peas.  Whatever – we have adapted and improvised over the years.  Adding peas was probably my way of sneaking in a few extra veges when the kids were small.  Besides peas look good in a rice dish!  You can use any leftover meat such as chicken, beef, pork or even tuna.  I’ll list the original recipe below and note my adaptations.

Cook and cool rice.  Beat together eggs and salt.

Chop green onion, sweet onion, celery, and green pepper if desired.  Set aside.

This is the first time we tried Liquid Aminos in place of soy sauce.  Nobody noticed a difference and this is a great natural alternative.  Check it out sometime comparing ingredients.  Interesting.

Heat skillet to moderate temperature, add oil, and cook eggs until firm.

Remove eggs to a plate and cool.

Add the bacon drippings (I used additional vege oil) and saute the sweet onion and celery.  Also saute green pepper if using.  Wilt the vegetables but do not overcook.

Add the cooked rice, ham, cut up eggs, peas and soy sauce.  Stir and cook just until heated through.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve either hot or cold.

This dish is almost better the next day.  Serve with additional soy sauce if desired.

So if you’re looking for something to do with your leftover ham give this a try!

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Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!