This seasoned rice recipe is like capturing a little piece of Texas right in your kitchen! Imagine the scent of spices wafting through the air, mingling with the warmth of a Texas sunset. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of family dinners at a bustling roadhouse, where conversations and laughter blend with the clinking of plates.
Steps
- Combine uncooked rice, water, chicken powder, and all the seasonings in a large saucepan, stirring well to mix.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer, evidenced by bubbles around the edges and ripples across the surface.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for 13 minutes without removing the lid.
- After cooking, remove the pot from the stove and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on, allowing the rice to finish cooking.
- Add butter to the cooked rice and fluff it with a rubber spatula until the butter melts and is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the rice to a serving platter and garnish with parsley or other green herbs if desired before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 1/4 cups cold water
- 2 teaspoons chicken powder or granulated bouillon, or 2 cubes dissolved in boiling water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 grams or 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1596cal | Carbohydrates: 306g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 3570mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1770IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires a bit of adjustment. Increase the water to 4 cups and simmer for 25 minutes before letting it stand for 10 minutes.
- What can I use as a substitute for garlic powder?
- If you’re out of garlic powder, you can melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook 2 finely chopped garlic cloves until golden. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
- How should I store the cooked seasoned rice?
- To store the rice, cool it rapidly by transferring it to a large bowl or spreading it on a tray if you’ve made a large batch. Refrigerate within 1.5 hours and it will last up to 4 days. For freezing, it will keep for up to 3 months.
- Can I skip any of the spices in the recipe?
- Yes, you can omit some spices without significantly affecting the taste. For instance, you can skip paprika or thyme, and the rice will still be flavorful. You can also substitute thyme with dried oregano or basil.
- What dishes pair well with seasoned rice?
- Seasoned rice is versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, excluding Asian cuisines and curries, as they have enough flavor on their own. It’s great with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a filling for burritos.
Tips
- Opt for Fresh Garlic and Onions: If you don’t have garlic or onion powder, you can substitute with fresh ingredients by sautéing finely chopped garlic cloves or onions in butter until golden. This will add a depth of flavor to the rice.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to skip or substitute spices based on what you have. For example, if you’re out of paprika, it’s not critical, and the rice will still be delicious without it. Similarly, thyme can be replaced with dried oregano or basil.
- Perfect Simmering Technique: Make sure the water is simmering gently after you place the lid on the pot. This ensures the rice absorbs the water properly without boiling over or staying undercooked.
- Efficient Storage: To store cooked rice safely, cool it quickly by spreading it out in a large bowl or on a tray. Ensure it’s refrigerated within 1.5 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan or Small Pot with a Tight-Fitting Lid: Essential for cooking the rice and ensuring it absorbs the flavors without scorching.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for fluffing the rice and mixing in butter without damaging the grains.
