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Homemade Copycat Rice-A-Roni
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- #17097
This copycat recipe is just like the rice mix you buy at the store. It contains rice, vermicelli, and powdered bouillon. Simply saute in butter and add water.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
6 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1/2 cup vermicelli pasta or angel hair, broken into small pieces
1 cube beef or chicken bouillon
2 2/3 cups hot water
1/4 cup diced onion, optional
directions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and broken vermicelli and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned.
Dissolve the bouillon cube in the hot water and add the mixture to the skillet with the onion (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice and pasta are tender and the liquid is absorbed (you can add additional water and cook longer if needed).
Remove the homemade rice-a-roni from the heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes then fluff the mixture with a fork. Serve hot.
recipe tips
For a richer flavor, saute the onion in the butter before adding the rice and pasta.
Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs.
If the mixture seems dry during cooking, add a little more hot water.
For a heartier dish, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables after the rice is cooked.
Experiment with different flavors of bouillon. Knorr makes bouillon cubes in beef, chicken, veggie, shrimp, and tomato flavors.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Long grain white rice is recommended for its texture and cooking time, but basmati or jasmine rice can be used. Adjust the cooking time or liquid amounts as needed based on the rice you use.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to vermicelli?
You can use gluten-free pasta, but make sure it's a thin type like gluten-free angel hair.
Can I use liquid broth instead of bouillon cubes?
Yes, replace the water with an equal amount of chicken or beef broth and omit the bouillon cube.
How do I know when the rice and pasta are sufficiently browned?
They should have a light golden color and a nutty aroma. Don't let them burn.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add veggies like sliced carrots, broccoli florets, peas, etc to the recipe. Either cook them separately or add them to the skillet to cook with the pasta and rice.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
nutrition data
232 calories, 6 grams fat, 39 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams protein per serving.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
September 17, 2013
I love Rice-a-Roni but rarely buy it because it contains soy (which I'm allergic to). This homemade version is not only healthier because it doesn't contain all the preservatives and fillers, but it also tastes great! I made the chicken version and used sodium free chicken bouillon and then added salt as needed.
June 5, 2012
This makes a very good substitute for the chicken flavor. I like to make it more the on the box where I brown the rice and pasta in 2 tbsp of butter than add in the remaining ingredients. I also a a little Badia Amarillo Yellow Coloring to give it that familiar yellowish color.
October 2, 2010
This recipe was better than Rice A Roni because it was not as salty. I used Lipton's Beefy Onion Soup Mix. I also used whole wheat spaghetti.
April 5, 2010
I made this with lipton onion soup mix and it was so good, my husband loved it, I added wild rice into it also, Thanks for the recipe.
I remember my father making this recipe over 40 years ago. My job was to break the angel hair pasta into small pieces.
May 6, 2008
This is a great and easy recipe. I did not use the bullion and water. I simply used 2 2/3 C fat free chicken broth. I also used broken up Fideo Noodles. You have to try it. It's great.
September 6, 2007
I made the chicken version and used Lipton soup mix with extra noodles. Tasted just like the real thing. I also added cooked cut up chicken and some frozen peas for color. I also use this for a chicken salad - add all of the above with some shredded lettuce, mayo, soy sauce and a sprinkle of ginger and some crushed pepper flakes. Yummy!