Seasoned Brown Rice - Microwave

[Lynne]

Something different with brown rice and open to lots of variations !!!

Seasoned Brown Rice

2 - 3 qt. microwave-safe casserole (no floppy plastic)
1 T. of olive oil
1 c. brown rice
1 tsp. chicken boullion granules (optional - high in sodium)
1 T. of Szechuan Seasoning (from the spice section - in a bottle)
4-1/2 c. very hot tap water or boiling water

Pour 1 T. of olive oil into casserole. Add rice and stir. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Repeat. Add the chicken bouillon granules and Szechuan seasoning and stir. Let cool for 5 minutes. Slowly add the 4-1/2 c. water and stir. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 40". Check at 30" to make sure that rice isn't too dry. If so, you will have to let it cool and add another 1/2-1 cup of boiling water very carefully. You can also do this dish in a pan on the stove - use 2-1/2 - 3 cups of water only and cover for cooking time - app. 45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes.

Variations: during last 5 minutes, stir in one cup of frozen peas; use different spices such as a combo of 2 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder; 1 T. basil, 1 t. oregano, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 c. sundried tomatoes; 1 heaping T. of dried parslely, 2 T. fresh lemon juice; 1 - 2 T. of curry powder, 1/2 c. raisins, 1/4 c. almonds

[pulse]

I cant wait to try that out. I know I should be eating more quality carbs like brown rice but I can never work ou tof to make it appealing.

I dont have a microwave atm, I usually steam my rice. Do you think i could adapt your recipe for a steamer ?

[Lynne]

I cant wait to try that out. I know I should be eating more quality carbs like brown rice but I can never work ou tof to make it appealing.

I dont have a microwave atm, I usually steam my rice. Do you think i could adapt your recipe for a steamer ?

I have steamed brown rice, too! Steam it to the texture you like (probably take you 45"). After pouring the rice into a bowl, stir in the seasonings/condiments. If you add raisins, you can cover the bowl with plastic to plump them.

If you decide to cook the rice on the stove top (using 2-1/2 cups water - 3 cups water), bring rice to a boil first, cover, and then simmer 45", checking after 30" or so.

[Macattack]

Whats the best tasting brown rice some of it tastes like dirt to me

[Lynne]

Whats the best tasting brown rice some of it tastes like dirt to me

I've tried them all and they all taste the same to me, Mac. I think the key is getting the rice tender and using seasoning. To get it tender, you have to cook it much longer than white rice (add more water), and maybe even let it steep off the burner, covered for awhile - like 20 minutes to half an hour. I've tried the Mahatma brand and bulk rice from the health food store.

[Macattack]

That's what i thought lynne i usually season white rice with chicken base or even stewed tomatoes anything to add flavor especially like curry.