Photo credit: Sina Mizrahi

DIY Seasoned Rice

This savory rice starts with a seasoning mix you put together yourself. It adds depth of flavor to a typical rice dish, and you can serve it with fish, meat, or chicken. This is a keeper for sure!

SERVES 2–3

• ¹⁄₂ cup short-grain round rice
• 1 cup water
• ¹⁄₂ Tbsp fresh dill, minced, plus more for garnish, if desired
• ¹⁄₄ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted, for garnish SEASONING
• 1¹⁄₂ Tbsp pareve chicken soup mix
• 2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
• ³⁄₄ tsp dried basil
• ³⁄₄ tsp dried minced onion
• ¹⁄₄ tsp seasoned salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt, or to taste

Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside. (You’ll have enough seasoning for a double recipe. If you’d like, you can halve the amounts given above.) Combine 1½ Tbsp seasoning mix, rice, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes (I recommend putting a wet towel on top of the pot while it’s cooking to increase the steam), or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Add dill and mix well. Leave covered until serving. Garnish with more fresh dill, if desired, and slivered almonds.

When I make a seasoning mix like the one for the rice recipe, I love making extra so I can have it ready and waiting for next time. A great time-saver!

Note: You can use any rice — long or short grain. I prefer round rice for this recipe.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 698)