How to spice up brown rice?

[WDWorBUST]

Along with losing weight we are trying to make changes in our overall eating habits - one of which has been to change over to brown rice. It is so blah though. I will buy the Uncle Bens kind that you just zap for 90 seconds because it's so easy and I can't seem to every cook it right either. But I really need suggestions on how to spice it up. Thanks!

 

[zigzagzerr]

Brown rice (and barley too) are completely awesome if you cook them on the stove, in chicken broth. About 2 cups of broth to a cup of rice/barley, boil and simmer about 40 minutes.

Have a great day!

 

[MJMouse]

I so hear you!! I love the convenience of the pre-made packets AND want to do something good for myself... but I love flavor.

However, I've come to the conclusion that it really doesn't take that much more time to use the whole grain minute rice than those microwave packets. Rice is one of those things that you can sort of forget about on the stove for a while (just don't let your pot boil dry). Try cooking the rice in chicken stock (98% FF, low sodium) instead of water for a bunch of yummy flavor. You can add any herbs or spices that you want to the stock (fresh ones are really yummy). I like doing this with whole grain pasta too.

OR Try sauteing green peppers and onion, tossing in some taco seasoning, a can of diced tomatoes and water or chicken stock. Boil. Add rice, cover, and cook for the amount of time on the box (make sure to cover pan). I often do this (or an asian/stir fry version) with whatever I have in the fridge. You can even cook some cut-up chicken breast or lean ground beef with the peppers and onions and have a one pot meal.

Another favorite of mine is an italian thing I can throw together (turns out different everytime, but yummy). Brown about a pound of ground beef in your skillet. Meanwhile start to cook some ww pasta (or rice I guess) in a pot. Add a bunch of spices, no sugar added tomato sauce, and evoo to your beef. Let those flavors kind of meld together. Add whatever leftover veggies you have (squash, brocolli, carrots, peas, whatever) to the sauce. Then add the pasta (almost cooked all the way through and a bit of the pasta water. Mix well and cover. Boil and then cook over medium heat. Let this work for a few minutes while you make a salad. Uncover and add some fresh parmesean.

As you probably can tell, I don't use a recipe very often...

Good luck!

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

My two favorite spices for rice is curry powder and rosemary.

 

[becka]

Thanks for the tip on the broth. I have also switched over to brown rice but it can be a bit bland at times. I will definitely try this next time I cook rice.

 

[SetzKitten]

I love brown rice. I make a cold rice salad with brown rice, pinapples, green onions, peas, coconut flakes and a dressing of pineapple juice, spices, olive oil and sesame oil. It's sooo good and good for you. I also make hot rice with brocoli and a dressing of soy sauce, ginger and a touch of honey.

 

[donac]

Try the instant brown rice instead of those packages. I think it has more flavor than the packages. You can always cook in chicken broth instead of water.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I think brown rice must just be one of those things that takes a while to get the knack to fix. I'm a decent cook and I have tried several times and not gotten it - but I will keep trying. I tried some instant rice (I can't remember what brand it was a trial size on sale pretty cheap) but I didn't really care for it. It was probably me though We have switched to WW pasta too - and I have developed a taste for it - though as a treat I'll cook regular every once in a while.

SK - on the dressings you mentioned, do you have an actual recipe for them - or just throw it together?

I tend to be the throw it together until it looks good type of cook - but now trying to branch out I can definitely use some recipes too.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[disneychrista]

I throw in a bullion cube to the water, same idea as the chicken broth. You can have beef, chicken, or even vegetable (this is what we use). I too can't quite get the nack of fixing it right. But I have always had issues with cooking rice.