Dive into a delicious and comforting meal with our Rice-Ah-Roni Delight recipe. This flavorful dish is a twist on the classic Rice-A-Roni, bringing together aromatic spices, tender rice, and golden brown orzo pasta. It's a simple yet delightful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a side dish for a larger feast.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely to be in your pantry, such as white rice, orzo pasta, and chicken broth. The spice blend might require a trip to the grocery store if you don't typically stock coriander, mustard powder, or celery salt. These spices provide the unique flavor profile for this dish, so be sure not to skip them.
Ingredients for Rice-Ah-Roni Delight
Kosher salt: This type of salt is coarser than table salt, resulting in a less salty flavor. It's perfect for seasoning without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Ground black pepper adds a mild heat to the dish.
Ground coriander: This spice yields a warm, nutty flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
Mustard powder: Mustard powder gives a tangy and spicy flavor.
Celery salt: This is a flavored salt made from ground celery seeds and adds a nice depth of flavor.
Paprika: A spice made from ground sweet red pepper pods, paprika adds color and sweetness.
Turmeric: Turmeric gives a yellow color to the dish and has a warm, earthy flavor.
Cayenne pepper: This spice adds a considerable amount of heat to the dish.
Unsalted butter: It adds richness to the dish.
Onions: They add a sweet, caramel-like flavor when cooked.
Orzo pasta: A small, rice-sized pasta that adds texture to the dish.
Long grain white rice: This type of rice is ideal as it stays fluffy and doesn't stick together.
Chicken broth: It infuses the rice and pasta with a savory flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and a hint of fresh flavor to finish the dish.
One reader, Kyla Gale says:
This rice-ah-roni delight recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates a burst of flavor, and the texture of the rice is perfect. It's easy to make and tastes amazing. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Rice-A-Roni Delight Recipe
How to prepare spice blend: Mix together salt, pepper, coriander, mustard powder, celery salt, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
How to sauté onions and orzo: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and pasta. Cook and stir for 4 to 6 minutes until onions soften and pasta turns golden brown.
How to cook rice: Stir in the spice blend, then add the rice and stir until the rice is coated with butter. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 17 minutes.
How to finish the dish: Remove the skillet from the heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then remove the lid and stir in the parsley, fluffing the rice and breaking up any clumps.
How To Make Rice-Ah-Roni
Rice-ah-roni is a truly American dish from San Francisco that combines rice & pasta. In this recipe, it is flavored with warm spice blend and chicken broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Spice Blend:
- 1½tspkosher salt,plus more as needed
- ⅛tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ⅛tspground coriander
- ⅛tspmustard powder
- ⅛tspcelery salt
- ⅛tsppaprika
- ⅛pinchground turmeric
- ⅛tspcayenne pepper
For Rice:
- 3tbspunsalted butter
- ½cuponions,finely diced
- ⅔cuporzo pasta,uncooked
- 1⅓cupslong grain white rice,uncooked
- 3cupsgood quality chicken broth
- 1tbspparsley,freshly chopped
Instructions
-
Mix together salt, pepper, coriander, mustard powder, celery salt, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
-
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and pasta. Cook and stir for 4 to 6 minutes until onions soften and pasta turns golden brown.
-
Stir in spice blend; cook and stir about 30 seconds. Add rice and stir until rice is coated with butter.
-
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
-
Stir; reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid; cook for 17 minutes.
-
Remove from heat; let covered skillet sit for 5 minutes.
-
Remove lid and stir in parsley, fluffing rice and breaking up any clumps.
Nutrition
- Calories: 143.92kcal
- Fat: 7.43g
- Saturated Fat: 4.08g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.55g
- Carbohydrates: 14.41g
- Fiber: 0.69g
- Sugar: 2.80g
- Protein: 4.81g
- Cholesterol: 18.86mg
- Sodium: 355.86mg
- Calcium: 12.88mg
- Potassium: 180.34mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 54.45µg
- Vitamin C: 2.11mg
Helpful Technique for Making Rice-A-Roni Delight
To ensure your rice-ah-roni is fluffy and not sticky, always remember to rinse your long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes the surface starch and prevents the grains from clumping together. Also, letting the rice sit covered after cooking allows it to steam, making it fluffier.
Time-Saving Tips for Rice-A-Roni Delight Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen tools such as food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency by working on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Substitute Ingredients For Rice-Ah-Roni Recipe
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for black pepper.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground cumin: Ground cumin can be used as a substitute for coriander, providing a warm and earthy flavor.
mustard powder - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used in place of mustard powder, but adjust the quantity to taste.
celery salt - Substitute with celery seed and salt: Mix equal parts celery seed and salt to substitute for celery salt.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor similar to paprika.
ground turmeric - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for turmeric, providing a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper, but adjust the quantity to taste.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for butter in this recipe.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions and can be used as a substitute.
orzo pasta - Substitute with small pasta shapes: Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or small shells can be used as a substitute for orzo.
long grain white rice - Substitute with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a similar texture and flavor to long grain white rice and can be used as a substitute.
good quality chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian substitute for chicken broth.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor.
Presenting Your Rice-A-Roni Delight Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add color and vibrancy to the plate. Consider the balance of colors and shapes to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by garnishing with toasted nuts or crispy shallots. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast in each bite.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose porcelain plates or handcrafted ceramic bowls to showcase the dish. The right serving ware can elevate the dining experience and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of the final garnishes. Use tweezers to delicately position herb leaves or citrus zest with precision, adding a refined touch to the overall presentation.
Consider negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate. Allow the dish to breathe by strategically leaving areas of the plate uncovered, creating a sense of balance and elegance in the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Rice-A-Roni Delight
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife used for various cutting and chopping tasks.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and boiling liquids.
- Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting various dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients into fine pieces.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food items.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food items.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients during food preparation.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot or cold food items.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used for blending, pureeing, and emulsifying ingredients to create smooth textures.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical kitchen tool used to flatten and shape dough for baking.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used for applying glazes, sauces, or butter to food items.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients for baking and cooking.
- Peeler: A kitchen tool used for removing the outer skin or peels from fruits and vegetables.
- Mortar and pestle: A tool used for grinding, crushing, and mixing ingredients to create pastes and powders.
Storing and Freezing Rice-A-Roni Delight
Let the rice-ah-roni delight cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents excess moisture from accumulating and making the rice soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
To freeze, transfer the cooled rice to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen rice-ah-roni delight, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the rice in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or chicken broth, stirring occasionally, until heated through and moistened to your liking.
For best results, portion the rice into individual serving sizes before freezing. This allows you to thaw and reheat only what you need, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Rice-A-Roni Delight Leftovers
To reheat leftover rice-ah-roni delight in the microwave, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice and pasta. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through and steaming.
For a crispy texture, reheat the rice-ah-roni delight in a skillet over medium heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet and add the leftover rice mixture. Stir frequently, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate it.
To reheat larger portions of rice-ah-roni delight in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover rice to an oven-safe baking dish and add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to help keep the rice moist. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, transform leftover rice-ah-roni delight into a flavorful fried rice dish. In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the leftover rice and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the rice is heated through. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and add beaten eggs to the empty space. Scramble the eggs until set, then mix them into the rice. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions to taste.
Interesting Trivia About Rice-A-Roni Delight
The Rice-A-Roni Delight recipe is a homemade version of the popular boxed rice dish. It's a versatile side dish that can be customized with different spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Is Rice-A-Roni Delight Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this rice-ah-roni delight recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. The use of basic pantry staples like rice, onions, and spices can make it a budget-friendly option. However, the inclusion of chicken broth and unsalted butter may slightly elevate the overall cost. Considering the yield and nutritional value, this recipe could be rated a 7/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a reasonable choice for a satisfying meal.
Is Rice-A-Roni Delight Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Rice-A-Roni Delight recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses white rice and orzo pasta, which are refined grains that have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients
- Butter is used as the primary cooking fat, which is high in saturated fat
- The sodium content may be high due to the use of kosher salt and chicken broth
However, the recipe does include some positive elements, such as the use of onions and parsley, which provide some vitamins and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole wheat orzo pasta instead of regular orzo
- Replace half the butter with olive oil to reduce saturated fat and increase heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of added salt to lower the overall sodium content
- Increase the amount of onions and add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or peas, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Use fresh herbs, like parsley, to add flavor without increasing sodium
By making these simple changes, you can transform this Rice-A-Roni Delight into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on Rice-A-Roni Delight Recipe
This Rice-Ah-Roni Delight recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The spice blend adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the combination of orzo pasta and long grain rice creates a delightful contrast. The use of good quality chicken broth enhances the overall savory profile, and the addition of parsley at the end brings a fresh, herbaceous note. The cooking method ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with a beautiful golden hue. This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal.
Enhance Your Rice-Ah-Roni Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Rice-Ah-Roni Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, perfected over time by a seasoned chef. The carefully curated blend of spices guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. The method ensures a foolproof, fluffy rice texture, while the addition of chicken broth infuses rich, savory notes. The use of unsalted butter adds a touch of indulgence, and the incorporation of parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous finish. With a meticulous balance of ingredients and a meticulous cooking process, this recipe promises a delightful, aromatic dish that will elevate any meal.
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