Savoury rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious side dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of savoury rice in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: This recipe is cooked entirely in one saucepan, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big flavor, fast: The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs infuses the rice with rich flavor in just 35 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your taste by changing up the vegetables or adding different herbs and spices.
- Diet-flexible: This dish can be made vegetarian or gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy savoury rice as a main dish, a side, or even as a base for a rice bowl.
- Kid-friendly: The mild flavors and soft texture make this a great option for picky eaters.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Long-grain white rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier, less sticky rice.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth of flavor to the rice. Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
- Olive oil: A neutral oil like olive oil is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic for even distribution.
- Mixed vegetables: Use your favorite combination of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, for added color and nutrition.
- Dried herbs: Thyme or oregano work well in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or rosemary.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust these seasonings to your taste, keeping in mind that the broth may already contain some salt.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- To achieve the best results with your savoury rice, follow these professional tips:
- Toast the rice: Before adding the liquid, sauté the rice with the onions and garlic for a minute or two. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use the right ratio: The 1:2 ratio of rice to liquid ensures perfectly cooked rice. Stick to this ratio for consistent results.
- Don’t peek: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while the rice is cooking. Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the grains to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff gently: When fluffing the rice, use a fork and a light touch to avoid breaking the grains.
Recipe Variations
- One of the best things about savoury rice is its versatility. Here are some variations to try:
- Herb and lemon rice: Add the zest of one lemon and a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spicy rice: Stir in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom rice: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
- Curried rice: Add a teaspoon of curry powder or garam masala to the onions for a warm, aromatic variation.
- Vegetarian protein boost: Mix in cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
- Seafood rice: Stir in cooked shrimp or crabmeat just before serving for a luxurious seafood version.
- Cheesy rice: Fold in grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan for a comforting, cheesy dish.
- Fried rice style: After cooking, let the rice cool, then stir-fry it with scrambled eggs and soy sauce for a quick fried rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Savoury rice is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a main dish, topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- As a side dish alongside roasted meats, fish, or vegetables.
- In a rice bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and a fried egg.
- As a base for a stir-fry, adding in your favorite proteins and vegetables.
- In stuffed peppers or tomatoes for a fun and flavorful presentation.
- As a base for a salad, mixed with greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover savoury rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make savoury rice up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for the mixed vegetables?
You can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini. Frozen vegetables work well too.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Use 2 1/2 cups of broth and simmer for 40-45 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and avoid stirring the rice once the liquid is added.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can sauté diced chicken, sausage, or shrimp with the onions and garlic for a heartier dish.
Q: What if my rice is still hard after cooking?
If the rice is still hard after the recommended cooking time, add a small amount of additional liquid, cover, and cook for a few more minutes until tender.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth and omit any animal products to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Q: How can I add more flavor to the rice?
Try using homemade broth, adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, or stirring in fresh herbs just before serving.
Conclusion
Savoury rice is a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
Share your creations on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured. Enjoy your savoury rice as a comforting main dish or a flavorful side, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own.
Savoury Rice
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for fluffing rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed until water runs clear
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn
- 1 tsp dried herbs such as thyme or oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it's well coated with the oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the mixed vegetables. Cover and let sit for another 5 minutes to warm the vegetables.
- Serve the savoury rice hot as a side dish or a main course, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.