Rice Jumbo
A comforting baked rice dish with peas, asparagus, and mushroom sauce, topped with buttery crumbs. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked peas, cooked rice, and cooked asparagus together in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Combine one can of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk and pour over the mixture.
- Sprinkle with buttered crumbs on top.
- Bake in a 350°F (moderate oven) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, consider adding a sprinkle of grated cheese to the mixture before baking. If you don't have mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery can work as substitutes. Fresh asparagus can be used in place of cooked, just blanch it briefly before mixing. This dish also allows for variations; you can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice Jumbo dish is a hearty main course that pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a light soup, such as Easy Creamy Casserole. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Jumbo contains roughly 279 calories, with 16g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 872mg per serving (38% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas and asparagus are great substitutes and will save you prep time. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before mixing with the rice to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is inherently vegetarian as it uses vegetables and soup. Ensure the mushroom soup is labeled vegetarian and consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you're adapting the recipe further.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Rice Jumbo gluten-free, choose a gluten-free mushroom soup and ensure that all other ingredients, including the breadcrumbs used for topping, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry.
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).