Rice-a-roni is the ideal mid-week quick, wholesome and tasty family meal. It will surely become a firm family favourite as it is so versatile and can be easily adapted to everyone's preferences.
1sprig of fresh thymeor your favourite fresh herbs, can replace with 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme
Instructions
***If omitting the oil simply add everything to a pan and simmer until the rice has cooked. The flavour and texture will be different but will still be tasty***
Pour the olive oil into your pan and heat over medium heat for a few minutes.
Tip in the rice, vermicelli, and orzo.Mix well.Add the garlic and onion powder.Mix.
Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice, vermicelli and orzo begin to brown. Don't let the mix sit still for long as it could catch on the heat and brown too much.
Add the peppers and onion. Mix.Cook for 2 minutes stirring frequently.
Add the peas and corn.Mix well and cook for about 3 minutes.
Tip in the kidney beans and mix.
Add the parsley. Stir to combine.
Pour in the vegetable stock and mix through.If using a sprig of fresh thyme or similar add now, just push below the stock.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Pop a lid on the pan and cook for another 5 minutes. [if the rice starts to stick to your pan add an extra half cup of boiling water and stir this through]
Turn off the heat, remove the pan off the cooker ring, and leave to sit for another 10 minutes or longer, so that the liquid is soaked up and the rice finishes cooking.
Check the rice is soft and if so the dish is ready to serve.Remove the fresh thyme.
Serve with extra chopped parsley scattered over.
Notes
Nutritional information is provided for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
Leftover rice-a-roni can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days within a covered container.
Reheat leftovers similar to cooking fried rice or stir-fry. Add a little veggie stock or oil to your pan and stir the rice until piping hot throughout.
Or enjoy chilled rice-a-roni as a rice salad. It is so tasty cold.
Leftovers can be frozen. Once cool place in a covered container and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Reheat as per the method above.