The Easy Baked Rice Casserole came as a result of cleaning the vegetable section of the fridge. Oh my, and was it delicious.

My Easy Baked Rice Casserole is also ideal to freeze in portions for the kids at college and university. Good grub, filling and like a blank canvas for you to use whatever you have. I am still struggling with the idea that my kids are all out the nest, so I am constantly thinking what I can make for them. This Mac ‘n Cheese is a winner. I can make quite a few portions to freeze and these sirloin steaks with onion gravy is also very good.

If I did not try and limit my carb intake, I would literally eat rice every day. Just love it. Just cooked, a little knob of butter, some salt and pepper and I am a happy camper. This rice salad with smoked chicken and mango, is a meal in one and perfect for a hot summer’s day. Have you ever bitten into a hot, crispy arancini or a croquette. You should try it some time.

This recipe is quick, filling and cheap. Another big plus is that most of these ingredients are in your pantry cupboard. The fresh veggies is the ideal way of getting rid of leftover bits and bobs in the fridge.

Easy Baked Rice Casserole

serves 6

Ingredients

250 ml uncooked rice – you can use brown rice for extra texture

5 ml salt

you need about 2 cups chopped vegetables – I used ½ red, green and yellow peppers, 1 large  baby marrow, 2 whole spring onions, 2 carrots

a handful of herbs – I used parsley and basil, it was all I had.

1 x 50 g packet Cream of Onion or mushroom soup

250 ml cream

125 ml milk

salt and pepper

250 ml grated cheese – I used white cheddar

Method

Preheat oven to 350 C. Cook rice according to packet instructions. Strain the rice. Mix all the ingredients, including the rice, together and taste for seasoning. Transfer to a a baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy with grilled fish, chicken or steak.

I froze 4 portions for the students in the family.

Cook’s Notes: You can add the following to the mixture:

250 ml chopped cooked chicken

250 ml flaked smoked snoek

1 tin drained corn

2 finely chopped smoked sausages – russians or chorizo

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