Rice: Secret ingredient for budget-friendly meals
Food & Dining reporter Jennifer Chandler offers ideas for five delicious entrees using this pantry staple.
Got a bag of rice in the pantry? Then you have supper!
This ingredient makes a quick, easy and budget-friendly base for a multitude of dishes.
Since I was born in Louisiana, I grew up with rice, not potatoes, as our everyday starchy side. It also often took center stage in entrée dishes on our table. The beauty of this grain is that is both inexpensive and filling.
From my table to yours, here are five of my favorite rice dishes.
❚ Jambalaya: This iconic Louisiana dish has many variations. Some folks use chicken, others add shrimp, or sometimes sausage is added to the mix. However you enjoy it, it’s a hearty and filling main that reminds me of good times in New Orleans every time I eat it.
❚ Hoppin’ John: Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish that is most famous for its place at the dinner table on the first day of the year. Simple yet hearty, Hoppin’ John is a flavorful mixture of black-eyed peas, rice, smoked pork and onions. You can start with dried peas, but canned peas are an acceptable shortcut. My family enjoys it year-round.
❚ Chicken and Rice Casserole: Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food. Warm and creamy, they are always a crowd-pleaser whether just feeding my family or feeding a crowd. The beauty of a chicken and rice casserole is its versatility. Chicken and rice are the only two required ingredients – after that, it’s up to you. Add mushrooms, spinach, your favorite cheese, broccoli or even artichoke hearts.
❚ Paella: This Spanish classic is a party in every bite. Like jambalaya, the versions are endless. Most commonly you see seafood and chicken but the common denominator is saffron seasoning.
❚ Fried Rice: Restaurant-style fried rice can be whipped up in minutes. It’s also a great use for leftovers, especially rice and roast chicken. I like to load up my fried rice with veggies like carrots, broccoli, onions and snow peas to make it more filling and a bit healthier.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.