How can I make rice taste like the boxed version

MiracleMama

Wed, Oct 14 2020, 9:32 pm

The rice with vermicelli (at least the one I see on the shelves) is full of msg, so it's hard to replicate that flavor without msg, but you can certainly add spices, herbs, oil, salt, maybe some seeds, nuts or sautéed onion/ garlic and make it more flavorful and interesting.

Amarante

Wed, Oct 14 2020, 9:35 pm

You can make a rice pilaf. You sauté finely diced onions with other herbs and also saute the rice before adding liquid. You could also replace water with chicken stock for a better flavor.

I've never made this recipe but here's a clone for Rice A Roni. You can sub either olive oil or a plant based butter for the butter in the recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup spaghetti or vermicelli broken into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 cup diced tomatoes optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the pasta to the pan and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the rice to the pan and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and turn the heat to low.
Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with parsley.
Stir in tomatoes if using, then serve.

NUTRITION
Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 12.8mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1.9mg

causemommysaid

Wed, Oct 14 2020, 9:39 pm

Definitely switch to Basmati or Jasmine.

1 cup rice to 2 cups water.

One tablespoon of Olive Oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

You can add ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, dried parsley, etc.

You can also make a mushroom and onion sauté blend and mix it with the rice.

Also not very healthy but you can cook it with soup mix as well.