Zobo Vegetable Rice & Zobo Smoothie

"The Magic of Zobo" aka Dehydrated Hibiscus Flowers

Zobo is believed to be a cheap drink for the poor by a lot of people. But what they don't know is that Zobo is high in vitamin C, Calcium and other nutritional minerals. Today I'm showcasing some ways zobo can be used. 

Zobo Vegetable Rice

Plated

Zobo has a deep red color that inspire me to try it in unique ways beside usual steeped alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage. In one of such inquisitive morning like today, it hit me why not "Zobo Vegetable Rice". 

this is how I made it...

1 cup long grain brown rice

1/4 cup garlic infused oil

2 Knorr cubes

1 tbsp Priscilla's All Purpose Seasoning

11/2 cup steeped Zobo drink

1 Bay leaf

2 cups mixed vegetables

1 cup small diced red onions

1 scotch bonnet -minced

Direction

heat oil in a skillet to medium heat.

saute onions to translucent. Wash rice till water run clear and add. Let cook for 2 minutes with onions. Add seasonings, bay leaf, Zobo liquid and salt to taste. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer for about 16 minutes. Add vegetables, stir and turn off heat. Residual heat will cook vegetables for another 3-5 minutes then fluff with fork.

This is a side dish. You may eat it with desired protein.

Do you notice the change in color from deep red to purple? 

this happens when zobo drink is added to any white colored starch/food. But at least, it is something different and it has some under tone earthy flavor...

I had a left over Zobo drink after cooking rice. I also saw my fruit basket has banana that is very ripe. So i thought again Smoothie! 

ingredients

1 ripe banana

4 large ice cubes

1/2 cup zobo drink

Blend to puree consistencty

(if you have a very sweet tooth, you may add little more sugar. For me it was perfectly sweet).

Serve in a chilled glass and refresh!!!!

Do try these in your kitchen and stick with me to see what next we'll be cooking. Till then, keep it simple, keep it fast and tasty!