How to Elevate A Rice and Seasoning Mix

Greens Waters' ethos is simple: avoid a mordant Girl Dinner and get something nutritious and satisfying on the table faster than DoorDash can deliver it. Rice and seasoning packets are part of the strategy when you know how to elevate them.

We're not using the seasoning that comes with the rice mix or we use very little of that salt bomb. Save it for another day. Stir it into plain yogurt for a quick dip, mix it into a soup, or use it to season roasted vegetables. The rice itself is the shortcut ingredient.

There is no boiling involved. We're going risotto-style.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Open the box and separate the rice packet from the seasoning packet. Set the seasoning aside.

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add one sliced shallot or half a chopped onion and cook until softened, about three to four minutes.

Add the rice and stir frequently for another two to three minutes, allowing the grains to become lightly toasted and coated in the oil.

For a tomato risotto variation: You must try tomato risotto. Chop four medium tomatoes and sauté them first with a pinch of salt. Cook until they soften and release their juices, adding a splash of broth if needed. Once the tomatoes have broken down slightly, add the shallots and rice and continue with the recipe.

When the rice and aromatics are fragrant, add the first round of liquid, such as organic low sodium vegetable broth, following the quantity suggested on the package directions. Homemade stock is desirable, but organic boxed broth works perfectly well. Let the liquid absorb almost completely.

Add finely chopped vegetables, pre-cooked beans, frozen peas, leftover roast chicken, cooked sausage, diced peppers, mushrooms, spinach or whatever appropriate odds and ends from your fridge.

This is also the moment to add your own seasonings:

Italian: garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, parsley, and Parmesan.

Spanish: smoked paprika, garlic, tomatoes, and white beans.

Indian: turmeric, cumin, coriander, peas, and chickpeas.

Add the remaining liquid called for on the package directions, plus a little extra if your vegetables are especially absorbent. Stir well.

Transfer the pan to the oven and roast uncovered until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Check every ten minutes. If the rice seems dry before it is fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water and continue baking.

Once out of the oven, taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in grated cheese, fresh chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of good olive oil. Let the rice sit for five minutes before serving.

Dinner is done. Quicker than an e-bike delivery.

Tomato Risotto photo: Royalty-Free Image.

Reality Check:  Thrifty cooks buy bags of rice but not if it just sits there. A packet costs more, but it provides portion control, prevents waste and gets dinner on the table. The convenience being worth the premium.

Shopping Tip: Lundberg Family Farms Rice & Seasoning Mixes are a bright shining beacon on the grocery shelf. When they go on sale, buy a few.