Homemade Garlic & Herb Rice-A-Roni

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats and is often lower in calories.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with bouillon

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

Heat a combination of 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Break 1 ounce of vermicelli pasta into small pieces directly over the pot.

Add 1 cup of basmati rice to the skillet and toast both the rice and vermicelli until golden brown, stirring frequently.

Crush and chop 4 cloves of garlic into large chunks and add to the skillet once the pasta is toasted.

Add 1 cup of sliced leeks to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and toasted pasta and rice.

Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon basil leaves; stir well to mix the seasonings.

Pour in 2 cups of water and ensure all rice is submerged in the liquid.

Cover the skillet and steam for 7 minutes, ensuring the lid is in the vent position if using an Instant Pot.

After steaming, let the rice sit covered for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens