Copycat Uncle Bens Long Grain Wild Rice Food

COPYCAT UNCLE BEN'S SEASONED LONG GRAIN & WILD RICE MIX

Steps:

• To make ahead: Combine the spices and store in a sealed bag or jar. To prepare the rice: Add the spices to a medium-sized saucepan. Stir in the water, butter, white and wild rices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally. When the liquid boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes or until almost all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 more minutes. Stir before serving.

COPYCAT "UNCLE BEN'S" LONG GRAIN & WILD RICE

Steps:

• Combine all of the spices in a medium saucepan and mix thoroughly.
• Add the both types of rice, the chicken stock and butter (if using).
• Bring mixture to a boil and stir to combine.
• Cover saucepan with a lid, turn down heat to a simmer and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.

SEASONED LONG GRAIN & WILD RICE MIX- UNCLE BEN'S STYLE

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients as listed in Dry seasoning mix in medium saucepan.
• Add to this water, butter, rice and dry wild rice.
• Bring to boil.
• Stir once or twice just to combine.
• Cover pan with lid tightly.
• Simmer gently 8 to 10 minutes or until almost all liquid has been absorbed.
• Makes 3 cups cooked rice.

COPY-CAT PANERA CREAM OF CHICKEN AND WILD RICE SOUP

Steps:

• Open rice, pull out seasoning packet and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside.
• In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion and saute for 5 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet, and continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes more. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring, to form a roux. Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
• Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.
• Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done,15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, for those who cannot get the quick-cooking version of the rice, I have put the broth on to boil and cooked the 25-minute version of long grain and wild rice blend according to the directions, while sauteeing the veggies in the butter. I tend to cook the veggies longer this way, and I like them quite soft. I then follow the rest of the directions above, adding the rice/broth to the cream mixture. I've also used fat-free half and half with no appreciable difference in flavor. Enjoy!

COPY CAT UNCLE BEN'S WILD RICE MIX

Steps:

• 1. Combine all of the spices in a medium saucepan and mix thoroughly. Add the both types of rice, the chicken stock, water and butter (if using).
• 2. Bring mixture to a boil and stir to combine. Cover saucepan with a lid, turn down heat to a simmer and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
• 3. NOTE: May be used in any recipe that calls for Uncle Ben's Wild Rice.