Homemade Golden Vegetable Rice: No More Packets

Leaving home at an earlier age and realising the harsh reality of paying bills. Batchelors Golden Vegetable Rice was a staple in my pantry. Its savoury flavour plus ease of cooking always made it a favourite of mine. Especially stuffed into peppers and topped with cheese before baking in the oven! However, as I’ve become more health-conscious, I’ve realized that recreating this beloved dish from scratch is not only easy but also a way to ensure a healthier and more wholesome meal. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate this classic rice dish at home, here’s how you can do it with fresh, natural ingredients. You won’t go back to packets after trying my Homemade Golden Vegetable Rice

Why Make Homemade Golden Vegetable Rice?

Packet Golden Vegetable Rice is known for its convenience and flavour, but it’s often packing with ingredients that are less than ideal for a health-conscious diet. The commercial version contains range of additives like monosodium glutamate and disodium 5′-ribonucleotides. While these ingredients contribute to the dish’s flavour and shelf life, some may prefer to avoid additives and preservatives in favour of a homemade version.

Why Is This Recipe a Healthier Choice

Creating your own golden vegetable rice provides the opportunity to sidestep artificial flavourings, excessive amounts of sodium, and unhealthy oils commonly found in processed versions. By opting for fresh, natural, or minimally processed ingredients, you can significantly boost the nutritional value of your meal. This approach not only ensures a healthier dish but also enhances the overall taste and satisfaction of your meal. The ability to customize the recipe to fit various dietary needs is another advantage, whether you’re looking to avoid dairy, gluten, or simply aiming for a more balanced and wholesome diet. Tailoring the dish to your preferences not only makes it more enjoyable but also aligns it with your personal health goals, ensuring that every bite is both nourishing and delicious.

What is Nutritional Yeast and Would I Put it In My Homemade Golden Vegetable Rice?

Nutritional yeast is a versatile ingredient often used in plant-based cooking to impart a rich, cheesy flavour to dishes. Unlike regular yeast, which is used for baking, nutritional yeast is inactive, meaning it won’t help dough rise. It instead offers a distinct taste profile and several health benefits.

Rich in essential nutrients, nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, B-vitamins, including B12, and fibre. This makes it a valuable addition to a balanced diet, particularly for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet who may need to supplement their intake of B12, a vitamin often found in animal products. Additionally, nutritional yeast contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium, which support overall health and immune function.

Flavour-wise, nutritional yeast adds a savoury, umami note to dishes, making it a popular ingredient for enhancing the taste of sauces, soups, and grain dishes. Its cheesy flavour without the use of dairy makes it an excellent substitute for cheese in recipes, catering to those who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.

Incorporating nutritional yeast into your homemade golden vegetable rice not only boosts the dish’s flavour but also enriches it with essential nutrients, contributing to a more balanced and satisfying meal.

You can buy it straight amazon by clicking this link. It is not easy to find and is more ready available from health specific shops such as Holland And Barrett.

Its a No Brainer

Homemade golden vegetable rice is a wonderful way to recreate a favourite side dish or addition to a main meal. All while staying true to a healthier lifestyle. With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a vibrant, flavorful rice dish that avoids the additives found in its commercial counterpart Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious difference of cooking from scratch!

Homemade Golden Vegetable Rice: No More Packets

Recipe by TheFeelGoodCookCourse: SidesCuisine: Rice DishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Discover how to make homemade golden vegetable rice with fresh veggies and savoury stock. This healthy, easy recipe is flavourful and satisfying, perfect for any meal

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice: The foundation of your dish, providing a fluffy texture.

• 1 cup fresh vegetables: Choose a mix of diced broccoli, red bell pepper, peas, carrots, onions, sweetcorn, and green beans. Adjust quantities based on your personal preference.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding flavour.

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric: Adds colour and a subtle warmth.

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional): Enhances the savoury, umami flavour.

• Salt and Pepper to taste: Use sea salt or Himalayan salt for added minerals.

• Juice of 1/2 lemon: For a touch of brightness and acidity.

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock: Provides rich flavour and depth to the rice.

• A sprinkle of your favourite herb mix: To garnish

Directions

• Prepare the Rice: Rinse the long grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the stock is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Cook the Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced carrots and broccoli then cook for another 3 minutes. Next, add the red bell pepper, sweetcorn, green beans, and peas. Sauté until all vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked vegetables into the cooked rice. Stir in the ground turmeric and nutritional yeast (if using), mixing well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavours.
• Serve: Enjoy your fresh golden vegetable rice as a flavourful side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tofu , stuffed into bell peppers covered in cheese and roasted or as part of a larger vegetable mezze.