EASY PRE-COOKED RICE

There is no need to pay a premium for microwavable rice bags when it is so easy to make ahead and freeze.

3 cups rice
Water

Cook as directed in rice cooker or in pot on stove according to the package instructions.
When the rice is done to your desired tenderness, immediately rinse in a strainer, using cold water in order to stop the cooking process.
Rinse until the rice is cool to the touch.
Fill a couple of quart-sized Ziploc baggies with 2 cups of rice each.
Flatten out to remove the air.
Makes 4 bags of rice.

You can also create 1-cup bags for individual portions.
Use smaller baggies like sandwich or snack ones.

Just take out of the freezer in the morning and put it in the refrigerator until you start cooking.
Then add to a dish such as a stir-fry or heat in the microwave.

You can use brown, jasmine or yellow rice in the same way.

Fried Rice:

If you want to make your own fried rice before you put it in the freezer to have some variation, while the rice is still hot, add one green onion per cup of rice, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, a beaten egg and a teaspoon of low sodium soy sauce. Be sure the rice is still hot when you add the egg. Stir well to heat through and 'coddle' the egg.  Let the rice cool fully before packaging up into portions.

Rice Pudding:
You can also use this rice for a fast instant rice pudding. Heat 4 ounces of skim milk or soy milk and a dash of vanilla. Add the pre-cooked rice and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and thickened. Serving suggestions: add raisins, cinnamon, and perhaps even apple chunks

Serves: About 8 single servings of rice.

Note: If you use a rice steamer, you can also cook the rice in advance, season with your favorite seasonings, and either eat as is, or freeze to eat at a future date. Don't forget to label everything carefully.