Easy Homemade Rice Pilaf

My little guy loves rice pilaf.  Seriously, he eats so much of it.  I have always just bought the boxed kind or the ready rice and I figured it couldn't be to hard to make.  I was right and best of all I can get rid of so many preservatives.  This was delicious and I will be making this as a regular side dish.

 

 Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white rice
• 1/2 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions:  In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat and add rice and orzo.  Saute until rice gets a little brown and stir in all remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat.  Let simmer on low for around 18 minutes.  Fluff and serve!

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding( No Added Sugar)

My little guy loves rice so, I decided to whip up some no added sugar rice pudding.  I must admit this would be so much better with 2 tablespoons brown sugar however, my little guy doesn't need any sugar in his diet! This was so easy and and I loved it!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup long grain rice
• 3 cups almond milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:  Place rice in a lightly greased crock pot.  In a large bowl whisk all other ingredients, pour over rice and stir.  Top with melted butter and cook on low for around 4 hours, adding raisins for last 30 minutes and serve.

Pork Fried Rice

I had some leftover pork from a previous dinner and a friend of mine recommended making fried rice with it.  I had everything on hand so I decided to go for it.  I was pleasantly surprised and my husband loved it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup chopped pork
• 1 cup frozen vegetables
• 2 eggs, scrambled (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground ginger

Directions:  In a large skillet add olive and sesame oil and heat over medium heat.  Add onions and rice and saute until rice gets slightly brown.  Add water and bring to a boil reduce heat and add pork and vegetable.  Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender.  In a seperate pan scramble eggs.  When rice is tender add eggs, soy sauce, sriracha, and ginger and stir until completely coated.

Mexican Rice

As much as I love to cook I have always been afraid to make any homemade Mexican food.  My Grandma made the most amazing Mexican food EVER.  So many memories of playing with all my cousins and watching her cook.  I will never forget the smell of her kitchen.  Nothing will ever compare to her food but this recipe was tastsy none the less.  It is so easy and I dont think I will ever buy the packaged kind again.  It also makes the house smell so amazing!!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small white onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika or Cayenne Pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can whole tomatoes
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can green chilies

Directions:  In a large skillet heat oil and sautee onion and garlic until onions are starting to get soft.  Add rice and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes.  Add all the spices, chilies, and tomatoes and stir until well blened.  Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cover for about 20 minutes or until rice is soft.