Anyone for Rice?

I love rice! The boxes are so expensive compared to the actual cost of the rice and ingredients, so I do make my own 'flavored' mixes. One of my favorites is tomato bouillon just mixed one. I also like to cook the rice in concentrated chicken broth or some other soup mix and add herbs and flavorings. If you use the cheese soup concentrate, you end up with something very like mac and cheese just with rice! I usually add a bit of broccoli, so I can say I get my veggies, too.

I add rice to veggie stews and casseroles...just kind of throw whatever I have together and let it cook so it's very easy. I like rice pudding too though I don't make it often because my husband's not a fan of it. I serve rice with stir fried veggies (w/garlic and soy sauce) I love to make a pot of beans and rice too: 2 cups dried beans 6 cups water or vegetable stock 2 bay leaves 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced (optional) 4 cloves garlic 8 oz canned or fresh tomatoes 1 red bell pepper 1/4 teaspoons cayenne or red pepper flakes (optional) salt, pepper and to taste 2 cups uncooked rice Rinse and soak beans overnight, as per package instructions. Place soaked beans in a large pot with water and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Lower heat and continue to cook, uncovered. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet and sauteé onions, celery, peppers, garlic and spices and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add onion mixture, along with tomatoes to beans. Cover, but leave lid ajar, lower heat and simmer until beans are soft, about 1 hour. Add rice, cover completely and simmer until rice is cooked, about 25 minutes. Watch carefully and add more water or stock as needed and stir frequently.

I am not a huge fan of rice. The only think I usually do eat rice with is some stir-fry. I usually use brown rice but you can use white rice. Simply chop some onions, broccoli, snap peas, those little corn cobs, some peppers, and whatever variation of veggies you like... (I like garlic too.) Quickly fry them in a wok or frying pan with a little oil. Add a tablespoon or two of soy sauce, then I usually stir my rice right in at the end and mix it for about a minute with the vegetables over the heat. I like stir fry because you can make it however you like it, many numbers of ways, and it's pretty easy, quick, and healthy.