Side Essentials Easypeasy Seasoned Rice Recipes

SIDE ESSENTIALS: EASY/PEASY SEASONED RICE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Remember when you are melting the butter, and blooming the spices, keep the temp to medium low. We do wish to burn them, or it will impart a bitter taste to the rice. And, the same is true when you are cooking the rice in the butter... keep it low.
• 3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 4. Add the butter to a saucepan over medium-low heat, and after it melts, add the turmeric and cumin.
• 5. Stir together until combined and keep stirring for another 60 seconds.
• 6. Add the rice and stir with the other ingredients until the rice begins to slightly brown, about 3 - 4 minutes. While stirring, toss in a bit of salt and pepper.
• 7. Remember, no burning; just an ever-so-slight browning.
• 8. Add the hot stock, raise the heat to get to a simmer. Then cover and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from the heat, keep covered, and let it sit for an additional 10 - 12 minutes. That will give the rice a chance to absorb any remaining chicken stock.
• 9. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and do a final tasting for proper seasoning (I like to add a bit more salt and pepper).
• 10. PLATE/PRESENT
• 11. Serve as a side dish or eat a steaming bowl, all by itself. Enjoy.

HOMEMADE SEASONED RICE MIX

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Yield: about 3-1/2 cups., To prepare rice as a side dish: Combine 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in one rounded cup of rice mix. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

NICE 'N' SPICY SAVOURY RICE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Rinse and soak the rice for 10 mins. Heat a large, ovenproof saucepan. Add the oil, then the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook on a low heat until the onion is soft. Add the cloves, cinnamon and cardamom pods and cook for a further 2 mins on a low heat. Add the curry powder and cook for a further 2 mins, then stir.
• Drain the rice and add it to the saucepan. Stir so that the rice is coated in the oil and spices. Add the peas, sweetcorn and half the flaked almonds, if using. Pour over the stock and stir.
• Cover the pan with a lid or with a sheet of foil, then cook in the oven for 15-20 mins. Remove from the oven, scatter with the remaining almonds, if using, and serve.