Colorful Rice

A favorite recipe to make when cooking for a healthy crowd. Need a vegetarian, lower-sodium option? Here you go.

Above photo: Variation on Colorful Rice with chicken instead of bacon.

Colorful Rice

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 509kcal

Author: Dana Ketter

Cost: $1.95

All the flavor without the hassle. Bacon infused veggies, anyone?

Print Recipe

Equipment

• rice cooker (or pot of water), optional: pressure cooker, skillet, baking sheet, steamer (or microwavable bowl), Corning ware or large bowl, spoon, tongues, knife, oven, stove, aluminum foil and paper towels

Ingredients

• 3 cups Organic Brown Rice or white Basmati
• 1 lbs Asparagus Spears 15 spears
• 1.25 cups Organic Frozen Peas
• 8 oz Organic Mushrooms Sliced or chopped
• 1 each Onion chopped
• 4 oz Goat Cheese
• 3 strips Bacon nitrate free
• 16 oz Low Sodium Chicken Broth free range
• ½ tsp Thyme ground
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper cracked or ground

Instructions

• Cook the brown rice per package instructions, in the low sodium chicken broth (vs water).

  While it’s cooking, do the following:
• Slice washed asparagus spears into ¼ – ½ inch pieces, saute in skillet over medium-high heat in 1 Tbsp avocado oil with spices.
• After 2-3 minutes, add washed sliced mushrooms and diced onion, stir occasionally. Cook to desired consistency then set aside. While this is cooking – set up your peas to cook.
• In a pot with a steamer insert – add about 1 inch of water – cook peas (about 5 minutes), drain and set aside.
• Place bacon in spaced rows on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook in preheated 375°F oven, for 15-20 minutes. When done, dab with paper towels and cut horizontally into ¼ inch slices.
• In a large bowl or Corning ware, combine all of your ingredients, begin mixing. Stir in the goat cheese chunks until blended. Done!

Notes

WHOLE RECIPE:

Total Calories – 3,054 .  Total Cost – $11.80  .  Grade – B  .  *Monthly Cost – $482

Programming Notes:

• If you are on a sodium restricted diet or have a history of heart disease , or are interested in eating closer to a Mediterranean style meal – see our Vegetarian Colorful Rice for a healthier meal.
•  

*This refers to the monthly grocery bill if TWO PEOPLE ate cumulatively 4,000 Calories per day, and only ate this meal all month long. If you’re running calculations for ONE person – divide the monthly cost in half.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Colorful Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 509 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 174mg8%

Potassium 688mg20%

Carbohydrates 67g22%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 1080IU22%

Vitamin C 17mg21%

Calcium 87mg9%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

$ – Savvy: Omitting the mushrooms typically improves the cost per Calorie grade from a B to an A !

Here’s a table with external links for each recipe ingredient (plus a few alternate ingredient ideas). As previously mentioned, prices vary per region, season, city, store and personal preference for brand or specific type of food item.

*TJ’s = Trader Joe’s. Sam’s = Sam’s Club