Homemade Rice A Roni

One of the all time classic side dishes, Rice A Roni- "The San Francisco Treat!" I grew up on this stuff and carried the tradition down with my son. The older I get the more concerned I am about what I put into my body, and for that matter everyone I cook for. Rice A Roni was a dish I loved but, what is in that mystery seasoning pack??

 I could surely come up with a recipe. Its a simple dish. After researching recipes and experimenting, I've figured out Rice A Roni! I came across lots of recipes, but the ingredients- no, that's not in Rice A Roni, I would say. For example, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cut up onion, italian seasoning! No No and NO! This is simple and chickeny, right on the money for the flavor you get in the box!

You will need the following ingredients:

Long Grain White Rice
Dried Vermicelli or Angel Hair Pasta Broken into Pieces
Butter
Chicken Broth
Concentrated Chicken Broth
Dried Parsley
Salt

That's it! Two ingredients I would like to address, concentrated chicken broth, this is the secret ingredient, it adds the extra flavor you need. Here's a link to this product, Swanson Flavor Boost
Since this product has came out, among another from the brand Knorr for their concentrated beef broth. I cook with them quite often. They add such good flavor to your meals!

The second item is the vermicelli, below you can see a photo of all the ingredients used in the rice. The yellow box is vermicelli, it's around 35 cents for a box and 1 box will make many batches of Rice A Roni. A plus to using vermicelli over angel hair, its a lot easier to break up. I find this at the grocery store in the pasta section.

Now, on to the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
1/3 Cup Vermicelli
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 Swanson Flavor Boost Concentrated Broth Packet
2 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
1/4 Teaspoon Salt

First, you want to get a bowl and break up the vermicelli into small pieces. This would be something fun for the kiddos to do! After the pasta is broken, add the cup of rice and mix well. Set aside.

Using a large skillet, make sure you have a lid as you will be covering the rice shortly. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Once melted add in rice vermicelli mix. Stirring frequently brown vermicelli. Refer to photos below if needed.

Add in chicken broth, concentrated broth packet, salt and dried parsley. Give it a good stir and wait for it to come to a boil. Once boiling turn heat down to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

Serve and Enjoy!

Break up Vermicelli

Until it looks like this

Mix rice in

Add rice vermicelli mix to skillet with melted butter

You want it to look like this when browned

Add in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil

Turn heat to low and cover

After 15 minutes all liquid is absorbed