Quick Summary
Learn how to make delicious savory rice with these three easy recipes. The first recipe features seasoned rice with a variety of flavors and optional add-ins. The second recipe showcases savory herb rice with a blend of aromatic herbs. Lastly, the third recipe combines chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce for a flavorful twist. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, find answers to frequently asked questions about making savory rice.
Introduction
Savory rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside your favorite protein. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of aromatic herbs, spices, and other seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or want to create an impressive meal, savory rice is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In this blog post, we will explore different recipes for making savory rice from external sources. Each recipe offers its own unique twist on this classic dish while providing step-by-step instructions on how to achieve perfect results every time.
So let’s dive in and discover some mouthwatering ways to make savory rice!
What is Savory Rice?
Savory rice, also known as seasoned rice or herb-infused rice, is a flavorful and aromatic dish made by cooking long grain white or brown rice with various herbs, spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Unlike plain steamed rice that serves as a neutral base for other dishes, savory rice stands on its own as a delicious side dish or even main course.
The seasonings used in savory rice can vary depending on personal preference and cultural influences. Common ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder (or minced onions), dried herbs such as thyme and basil, bouillon cubes (chicken or vegetable), soy sauce for an umami kick, and additional flavor enhancers like paprika to add depth of taste.
What sets savory rice apart from regular boiled rice is the infusion of flavors during the cooking process. The seasonings are added to the rice and cooked together, allowing the grains to absorb the aromatic flavors and resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying dish.
Recipe 1: Seasoned Rice
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Uncooked long grain white rice
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Bouillon
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the uncooked rice to the melted butter and stir well to coat each grain with butter.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, thyme, parsley, and bouillon into the pan and mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour water or chicken broth (according to package instructions) into the saucepan with seasoned rice mixture; bring it up just below boiling point on high heat uncovered for about 5 minutes or so stirring occasionally then reduce heat down low simmer covered tightly without opening lid for another 15 -20 minutes until liquid is absorbed by grains of cooked fluffy aromatic savory flavored deliciousness!
- Once cooking time has elapsed remove from stove top let sit undisturbed off burner still covered an additional ten minute fluff fork serve.
Variations:
You can customize your seasoned rice recipe according to your taste preferences:
- Add Meat or Seafood: For added protein and flavor boost you can add diced chicken breast, shrimp, sausage, etc. Simply cook them separately before adding them along with vegetables during step three.
- Use Coconut Milk Instead of Water: To give your dish a tropical twist substitute coconut milk instead of plain water when preparing this flavorful side dish.
- Make It Vegan: If you’re following a vegan diet, simply swap out regular dairy-based products like cow’s milk and butter. Use plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milks and margarine respectively. While making sure any stock used also doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients, check labels carefully if unsure, make homemade vegetable stock using scraps leftover veggies herbs spices boil strain save freeze ready whenever needed.
Tips for Storing and Reheating:
- Store any leftover seasoned rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the desired amount of rice in a microwavable dish with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and heat on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. If reheating on the stovetop, add some liquid (water or broth) to moisten the rice and cook over low heat until warmed thoroughly.
- You can also repurpose leftover seasoned rice by adding it into stir-fries, soups, casseroles, or even stuffing vegetables like bell peppers.
Now that you have all these tips at your fingertips, go ahead and give this savory side dish recipe a try. Let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Recipe 2: Savory Herb Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube (reduced-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking Instructions:
Step by step instructions on how to make savory herb rice:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil.
- Add the bouillon cube, stirring until dissolved.
- Add in the long-grain rice, minced onion, onion powder, dried basil, dried marjoram, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking time so that it doesn’t stick at the bottom of the pan.
- Once cooked, remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Facts:
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 178 calories
- Fat: 3g fat
- Cholesterol: 6mg cholesterol
- Sodium: 490mg sodium
- Carbohydrates: 33g carbohydrates
- Fiber: 1g fiber
- Protein: 4g protein
Recipe 3: Savory Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- Assorted vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, peppers, sweetcorn)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Spring onions for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: In a large frying pan or wok over medium heat, cook the diced chicken until it is no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Add some olive oil to the same pan along with chopped onions, carrots, celery, sliced bell peppers, and sweet corn kernels. Sauté them for about five minutes until they are slightly softened.
Step 3: Add in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly so that nothing burns.
Step 4: Add cooked chicken back to the pot. Add soy sauce. Stir well till everything gets coated evenly.
Step 5: Add uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir fry this mixture on high flame just like you would do while making fried rice.
Step 6: Add hot water/stock/broth. Bring it all up to a boil. Reduce flame once boiling starts. Let simmer covered until liquid has been absorbed by rice.
Step 7: Once done, remove the lid. Fluff gently using a fork. Drizzle sesame oil. Garnish with spring onions. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This savory rice dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein such as grilled fish or roasted chicken. You can also enjoy it on its own topped with some sliced spring onions for added freshness. For an extra kick of flavor, you could serve it with a side of chili sauce or soy sauce. This versatile dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, or even a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Now that you have the recipe for savory rice with chicken and vegetables, give it a try in your kitchen! It’s an easy-to-make dish packed full of flavor and nutrients from the colorful assortment of veggies. Enjoy experimenting by adding different spices or swapping out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the difference between savory rice and regular rice?
Answer:
Savory rice refers to a type of seasoned or flavored rice that incorporates various herbs, spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is cooked with additional ingredients to enhance its taste and aroma. Regular rice, on the other hand, typically refers to plain steamed or boiled white or brown rice without any added flavors.
Question 2: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Answer:
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice to make savory rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice has a different texture and cooking time compared to white rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Brown rice also has a nuttier flavor, which can add a different dimension to your savory rice dish.
References
- https://www.africanbites.com/seasoned-rice/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/savory-herb-rice/
- https://www.slimmingeats.com/blog/savoury-rice