Are you craving that perfectly seasoned rice you get at Cheddar's? That fluffy, flavorful side dish that elevates any meal? You don't have to go out to enjoy it! This copycat Cheddar's seasoned rice recipe is incredibly easy to make at home, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality rice in the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals made easy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
Instructions:
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Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. This simple step makes a big difference in the final texture.
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Spices: Stir in the dried parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma. This step enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.
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Combine Rice and Broth: Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
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Fluff and Serve: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Tips for Perfect Rice:
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth directly impacts the taste of the rice. A flavorful broth will result in more flavorful rice.
- Don't lift the lid: Resist the urge to peek during the simmering process. Lifting the lid releases steam and can affect the cooking time and texture of the rice.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the rice before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your taste.
Variations:
- Cheesy Rice: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese after the rice is cooked.
- Herby Rice: Experiment with other herbs such as oregano, rosemary, or chives.
- Spicy Rice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Fat: 8-10g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This homemade Cheddar's seasoned rice recipe is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!