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Our Speedy Rice has come to the rescue at dinnertime more often than I can remember. I stumbled upon it when searching for a quick side many years back, and it's turned into our family's favorite comfort dish. What's so great? You only need 15 minutes and a handful of basic items to whip up this creamy, delicious rice that nobody can resist.
Instant Comfort For Busy Nights
Ever have those evenings when you want something warm and filling but time isn't on your side? Look no further. I adore how just a few cupboard basics - quick rice, condensed chicken soup, and stock - blend together for a dish that seems like it took hours to cook.
Your Shopping List
- Chicken Stock: 1½ cups, preferably low sodium to manage the salt ourselves.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can, the secret behind its wonderful creaminess.
- Chicken Bouillon: 1 teaspoon for that rich flavor boost.
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon or add more if you enjoy extra kick.
- Instant Rice: 2 cups, white variety works best in this dish.
- Parmesan: ⅓ cup fresh grated makes a world of difference.
- Parsley: If you want, it adds a nice pop of color.
Cook Along With Me
- Mix Your Liquids
- Find a good pot and blend the stock, soup, bouillon and pepper until they're well combined.
- Bring To Heat
- Set your stove to medium high and wait until tiny bubbles form around the edges.
- Mix In Main Ingredients
- Now dump in your rice and Parmesan, mixing thoroughly so everything gets nicely coated.
- Allow To Stand
- Cover with a lid, pull it off the heat, and let it sit untouched for 5 8 minutes.
- Ready To Eat
- Gently fluff using a fork, toss on some parsley if you're feeling fancy, and watch your family rush to the table.
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Ideal For Hectic Evenings
This rice dish has become my go-to plan when we're running around like crazy. While I'm dealing with the main course, this practically cooks itself with minimal effort. My children actually get excited when they spot me grabbing these ingredients.
Customize It
I often throw in some leftover roasted chicken and frozen peas at the finish for a complete meal. Steamed broccoli goes wonderfully in it too. My daughter can't get enough when I put extra cheese in, while my son loves when I mix corn into his portion. It's incredibly adaptable.
Mind The Saltiness
I've figured out you need to be cautious with salt in this dish. The soup, bouillon and stock already pack plenty of flavor. Go with the reduced sodium versions first, as you can always add salt later but can't take it away once it's in there.
Tasty Variations
For something different, I'll sometimes add a tiny bit of smoked paprika or some garlic powder. My hubby can't resist it with a few drops of hot sauce mixed in. Feel free to play with different seasonings until you discover what your family loves most.
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Nail The Perfect Consistency
Want your rice extra creamy? Just pour in a bit of half and half when finishing. Prefer it lighter? Use slightly less soup or more stock. After making this countless times, I've learned it's very forgiving and you can tweak it to suit your preferences.
Pairing Suggestions
This goes wonderfully with grilled chicken breasts or oven-roasted veggies. The smooth, creamy texture makes it ideal for soaking up gravies and sauces. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving and it'll look like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Storing Extras
Any leftover rice keeps well in your fridge for roughly three days. When you're ready to eat it again, just add a splash of stock or water to bring back the creaminess. It makes for a fantastic next-day lunch option.
Freezing Advice
While I usually cook this fresh each time, you can freeze it if needed. The texture isn't quite the same afterward, but still tasty. Just let it thaw in your fridge overnight and add some liquid when warming it up. I find gentle reheating works much better.
Common Questions Answered
People always wonder if regular rice works but definitely stick with instant for this unless you want to completely change how long it cooks. For my veggie friends, I suggest vegetable stock and cream of mushroom soup instead. And yes, adding some red pepper flakes gives it a wonderful spicy kick.
Basic But Beloved
This Speedy Rice might not be fancy but it never disappoints anyone. It's become one of those dishes friends constantly ask me about and my family wants every week. Sometimes the simplest recipes turn into our biggest hits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use instant rice for this dish?
- This method is tailored for instant rice so the cooking time and liquid amounts are just right. Regular rice needs more time and adjustments.
- → Why let the rice sit off heat?
- This step gives the rice time to soak up the liquid fully without sticking or burning, making it perfectly soft.
- → Do I need extra salt?
- Not really. The soup, broth, and bouillon already add enough seasoning. Give it a taste first before sprinkling more.
- → Why choose low-sodium broth?
- It gives you control over the saltiness. Regular broth, combined with the other ingredients, might make the dish overly salty.
- → Can I cook this in advance?
- It’s best eaten fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers, just warm them up with a little broth or water to keep them creamy.