Tips On Seasoning Rice

Plain white rice is bland; spice it up with seasonings.

Rice is a mainstay of diet for more than half of the people in the world. It's filling, tastes good by itself, takes on the flavors of the food it is served with and absorbs sauces. East Indians flavor their rice with curry. Asians use lemon grass, scallions, soy sauce and sesame seed oil. Italians rely on chicken broth, cream and cheese. Leave the plain white rice for others and explore how you can season your rice.

Herbs

Chop herbs finely and add to the rice after it's been drained and you're ready to serve. The hot rice will cook the herbs just enough. Parsley is often served with rice. Expand your rice repertoire with other herbs. Basil and oregano give a taste of Italy. Add lemon thyme, finely chopped tender parts of lemon grass and lemon zest for a tangy rice flavor. Mexican rice includes cumin, chopped tomatoes, scallions and fresh cilantro.

Butter or Oil

Browning the rice in butter or oil gives it a nutty flavor. Butter has a low smoking point so heat over low heat. Add the rice and turn it so each grain is coated. Keep it on the heat until the rice turns a light golden brown. Add chopped onions or garlic and saute until the garlic is slightly brown. Add the liquid and cook until the rice is done.

Broth or Sauce Instead of Water

Rice readily absorbs flavors. Cooking the rice in broth rather than water increases the flavor. Add about a cup of broth to the pan, bring to a boil then add all the rice. As the rice absorbs the broth, add more to the pan, a cup at a time until the rice is tender. Diluted tomato sauce or full strength tomato juice may be used as well.

Condiments

Think of meat as a condiment or seasoning for rice. Shreds of chicken, beef or pork flavor rice that's been cooked in chicken or beef broth. Add in chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas or green peppers. The Chinese flavor rice with bits of scrambled eggs, tiny shrimps and soy sauce. Mexican cooks offer rice cooked with tomatoes with beans for a meal. Add 1/2 cup each of half and half, Parmesan and cooked peas to 2 cups of rice right before serving and you have a quick risotto without all the time consuming stirring.

Tags: until rice, chicken beef, flavor rice, lemon grass, rice with, served with, white rice