Easy Peasy Gourmet Rice!

Don't let anyone tell you they can't cook good, nutritious food for all the family quickly and on a budget!

Here is a recipe that I came across in its original form in Rachel Allen's book 'Bake' and is so simple to prepare and cook there really are no excuses!

You'll need a lidded casserole that you can use on the stove as well as in the oven.

To feed four (or possibly more depending on what you accompany it with) chop one medium onion and fry it in a knob of butter for a couple of minutes. You can add other veg here too - today we had red pepper and a handful of frozen peas and sweetcorn. Add a tsp of dried herbs too and cook for a couple of minutes stirring occasionally. Now add 200grams of basmati rice and give it a good stir - the grains of rice will start to look clear. Pour over 500ml of veg stock ( I use Marigold Vegetable Bouillon) stir it again - you don't want the rice sticking to the bottom! -

bring it up to the boil then pop the lid on and put it in the oven (mine is usually at about 180) for 10 mins. Take it out of the oven, fluff it up with a fork and serve.

That's it. Simples.

The best thing about it is that it is so easy to adapt - add some pilau spices for instead of dried herbs or a couple of chopped spring onions, some baby corn and Chinese 5 spice seasoning for an oriental flavour. One of my favourite combos is onions and peas, a touch of curry seasoning and some cooked, smoked haddock, served with hard boiled eggs for a kedgeree type dish. You can add small pieces of cooked chicken, tuna or some cooked chick peas or kidney beans to make a complete meal in one pot so you save on washing up too!

To make it in larger (or smaller) quantities just remember the ratio of 100g of rice to 250ml of stock.

I would love to hear if any of you try this one and especially if you add your own twist!