RiceSelect™ Offers Ways to Stretch Your Food Dollars

ALVIN, TX  – The drastic fluctuations of the stock market and the rising price of gas and groceries have consumers across the country trying to find ways to trim their budgets. Some are exploring mass transit for the first time and others are making their entertainment budget go farther by taking advantage of matinee film prices and family days at sporting events. Even more people are dining out less and preparing more meals at home. RiceSelect™, the makers of the well-known Texmati rice, remind consumers that buying versatile staples – as opposed to manufactured mixes – is one way to reduce costs and yet provide a healthy meal for the entire family. For example, a jar of RiceSelect’ s Texmati^® rice costs a mere 30 cents per serving while seasoned rice, potato and pasta mixes can range from 60 cents to $1.20 per serving.

“When you compare cost per serving, buying plain rice just makes sense,” says Deborah Locke, product manager for RiceSelect. “And because it is so versatile, you can save time by cooking a few recipes worth at a time and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. The next time you prepare a pilaf, casserole or rice salad, you are halfway there.”

Not only is rice budget friendly, but it is also wholesome and nutritious. Rice is free of sodium, cholesterol and trans fat. It is also gluten-free, non-allergenic and easy to digest. Numerous studies have shown that people who eat whole grains, such as brown rice, as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Doctors advise patients with diabetes to eat whole grains to help regulate blood glucose levels. Plus, whole grains, like Texmati brown rice and RiceSelect’ s Whole Grain Royal Blends®, make a great compliment to other healthy foods like vegetables and lean protein. Rice tastes great as well, which makes it perfect for the whole family to enjoy

Buying locally grown food is becoming more and more important for consumers who are concerned about minimizing their carbon footprints and boosting our economy. RiceSelect, for example, grows and packages all of its products here in the United States, on the gulf coast of Texas. And regardless of what you may have heard, there is currently an abundance of U.S. grown rice.

More than 100 recipes for the family to enjoy are available at www.riceselect.com. The recipes range from salads and side dishes to entrees and desserts. Here are a two of them:

Cremini Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Rice Soup

1/3 cup butter
1 pound Cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 large sweet mild onion, finely chopped
3 cups cooked Texmati^® Brown Rice, divided
1 (6 1/2-oz.) container Garlic and Herbs Spreadable Cheese
2 (14-oz.) cans roasted garlic seasoned chicken broth, divided
2 cups water, additional if desired
8 slices ready-to-serve smoked bacon
Salt and pepper to taste 

Melt butter in a large non-stick stockpot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook about 10 minutes, stirring periodically. Let the mixture cool slightly. In a food processor or blender, combine mushroom mixture, 1-1/2 cups rice, cheese and 1 cup broth. Pulse mixture until mushrooms are finely chopped but not pureed and mixture is thoroughly combined. Return mixture to stockpot; stir in remaining rice, broth and water. Bring to a boil; cook uncovered over medium heat 5 minutes. Heat bacon slices between paper towels in microwave according to package directions. Chop bacon and set aside. Add salt and pepper to soup to taste. To serve, ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with bacon. Yield: Makes 8 to 12 servings

To save time, when cooking the rice for the soup, double the recipe on the label and use the leftover rice in another dish, like Creamy Red Beans and Rice with Caramelized Onions, later in the week.

Creamy Red Beans and Rice with Caramelized Onions

2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, sliced
3 cups hot cooked Texmati^® Light Brown Rice, cooked in chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained 1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; cook until onions begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add rice, beans, sour cream, cheese and black pepper. Stir until well blended and cheese is melted. Yield: Makes 6 servings

About RiceSelect™

RiceSelect™ is the maker of Texmati^® – the first basmati rice to be successfully grown in America. Grown and packaged in the United States with inspiration from around the world, Cook’s Illustrated, the official publication of “America’s Test Kitchen,” recently named RiceSelect’s Risotto Rice the top Arborio rice, giving it a coveted “Highly Recommended” rating. RiceSelect’ s other products include Jasmati^®, Kasmati^® and Sushi as well as Chef’s Originals^®, Royal Blends^®, Couscous, Orzo and Temati Medleys. RiceSelect’ s products can be purchased in more than 23,000 grocery stores in North America. RiceSelect is a leading developer, producer, miller and marketer of specialty consumer products. For more information and visuals, please visit us at www.riceselect.com.