This Simple Trick Makes Boring Rice Delicious
Rice for dinner may sound dull, but with a few simple additions, you can transform a bowl of boring into something more satisfying. Think of your pot of plain rice – whether fluffy white, fragrant basmati or nutty brown – as a blank canvas waiting to be adorned. Minced fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or a shower of shredded cheese are the strokes that result in a culinary masterpiece. Of all the ways to elevate regular ol' rice, there's one easy trick that infuses a depth of savory flavor while the grains are cooking – instead of waiting to enhance rice's neutral tones until after it's steamed.
Substituting broth in place of water is a game-changer. To boost flavor, simply cook your rice in the same amount of chicken broth as you would water for delicious chicken-flavored rice (via Food). Your rice will be salty and bold and delectable all on its own, according to Homemade for Elle. No chicken broth in your pantry? One Good Thing says any broth or stock you happen to have on hand will do. Try making rice with beef broth, mushroom broth, or vegetable broth. All are sure to liven up the grain.
Bouillon or broth add flavor to rice while it's cooking
Bouillon cubes can even be used in place of ready-made broth or stock. Just a Pinch's recipe calls for two cups of uncooked white rice simmered with four cups of water and two bouillon cubes. Could it get any easier?
If you're looking to go in the other direction and add more complexity to your rice, options abound. You can saute the raw rice grains in butter and diced onions, and maybe a pinch of thyme, before boiling in your broth of choice (via Food). Another take on buttery herby rice, from Homemade for Elle, suggests stirring in butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary before serving. For Caprese rice, add halved cherry tomatoes, a chiffonade of basil, and cubed fresh mozzarella to broth-cooked rice. Adding lemon juice, thyme, and blanched asparagus make for one more elegant yet easy rice-centric meal.
Really, the sky's the limit. Campbell's recipe for broth simmered rice offers all types of no-fuss add-ons, from fresh cilantro and lime to broccoli florets and cheddar cheese. Even if you keep it super simple, adding broth to your rice is going to make it taste better.