Seasoned Brown Rice

Investment cooking is something that I have truly learned to love.  I even teach a monthly class on investment cooking. So, anything that allows me to get dinner on the table quickly, without sacrificing quality, is perfect for me. Brown rice is often avoided because of the long cooking time. But, here at You Can Make That, I will show you how you can serve Seasoned Brown Rice on a regular basis without spending too long in the kitchen.

By cooking up a large of batch of rice and freezing it in small portions, you can cook once, and serve it multiple times. The most common question that I get about making rice ahead is, “Doesn’t it get hard and sticky?” But, that is not the case. The brown rice lends itself perfectly to freezing and reheating and never gets hard. And, typically, it will only get sticky if you have used too much liquid during the cooking process.  The following recipe works well for serving immediately or freezing.

Seasoned Brown Rice

9 cups chicken broth

2 lbs. brown rice

5 Tbsp. dried parsley

2 ½ tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. garlic powder

In a large stock pot, add all ingredients. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and slowly boil for 40 minutes, or until fully cooked. Do not stir during the cooking process. (A good way to check to see if the rice is done is to insert a spoon into the rice all the way to the bottom of the pan. If the broth has completely cooked away, the rice is done. ) Remove from heat, and prop lid open to cool.

To freeze: Let rice cool for about an hour. Fill sandwich size zippy bags with two cups rice each. Remove air from bags and seal. Freeze flat for up to three months.

To serve frozen rice: Remove from freezer, open zippy bag, and place in the microwave. Cook on high for two minutes. Remove rice from microwave, pour into a bowl, return to microwave and cook on high at two minute intervals until thoroughly heated.

Frugal Tip: This recipe for Seasoned Brown Rice is a perfect substitution for boxed rice mixes. It is more economical and healthier for your family.