A basic Rice Bake recipe for a Side Dish that can be built upon with added Vegetables & different Seasonings used in place of the Salt & Peppers added in the below recipe or add in additional Herbs & Spices as you like.
Servings: 6 portions
Equipment
- 1 Sauté Pan
- 1 Casserole Dish 2 1/2 Quarts or slightly larger
Ingredients
- 2 C Basmati Rice - or Jasmine, any medium to long grain rice
- 3 C Water
- 2 Cubes Maggi Chicken Bouillon - or other flavors
- 1/4 C Neutral Oil
- 1/2 Tbl Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 2-3 C Mixed Vegetables - See notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F with the rack in middle position.In a Sauté Pan set over medium heat with Oil.Rendering out your choice of fat and top up with Lard or Oil to get about 1/4 C of Fat or slightly more is preferred, especially if pairing with meat.
- Add in the Vegetables to cook briefly, then the Rice and cook for about 1–2 minutes. Add in the Broth (Water & Bouillon Cubes) along with the Salt & Pepper Blend and bring to a boil. Ensure that the Bouillon cubes are completely dissolved.
- Empty into a Casserole Dish, mix well and spread evenly. Place into the oven covered for 40–45 minutes.
- Remove the Rice Bake from the oven, keep covered and let rest 15 - 20 minutes. Toss the Rice, scraping the bottom and sides and fluff. Adjust the seasoning if needed and toss again. Serve the whole Casserole at the table, or individually plate the Rice.
Notes
Add in about 2–3 Cups of Vegetables in total of your choosing. Use Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery, Peppers, Tomatoes, Mirepoix, Pimento Paste, Salsa or other types of Vegetables.
Adjust the cook time and heat to your preference, anywhere between 400 F - 450 F and for 40 - 45 minutes is ideal.
Any leftover Rice can be refrigerated and cooked the next day in a Wok for Fried Rice. No need to add oil. Just heat the Wok up over max heat and let it get hot. Add the Rice and keep tossing to heat through and serve. Optionally add in Fried Eggs, Green Peas, Bean Sprouts or Green Onions.
If you are making the Rice bake without any vegetables added, then stay with a 2 1/2 quart casserole, as any larger and the rice will cook up dry. With added Vegetables, go with 2 1/2 Quart are slightly bigger.