Rice Excellente
A flavorful rice dish featuring mushrooms, water chestnuts, and green peppers, sautéed with aromatic seasonings, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package white and wild rice mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped water chestnuts, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper. Saute about 5 minutes.
- Add the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- Meanwhile, prepare the wild rice mix according to the package directions.
- Combine the cooked rice thoroughly with the vegetable mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the water chestnuts with diced bell peppers for added crunch or use frozen vegetables if you're short on fresh ingredients. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the poultry seasoning for your favorite herb blend. Adding a splash of soy sauce can elevate the dish's umami profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice Excellente pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to enhance the dish. For a hearty vegetarian option, consider serving it with a side of Garbanzo Spread(Fat Free Recipe) for added protein and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Excellente contains roughly 187 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (26% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of the rice mix?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook than the white and wild rice mix. Be sure to season the brown rice appropriately to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
What can I do if I want to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to add their own spice.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the rice mix does not contain any animal-based ingredients. You can also enhance the flavors with nutritional yeast in place of the poultry seasoning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).