Cream of Rice is a type of hot cereal made from ground rice. It has a creamy, porridge-like texture and mild flavor that makes it versatile to use in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the main ways Cream of Rice is used:
Breakfast
One of the most popular uses for Cream of Rice is as a hot breakfast cereal. It can be prepared savory or sweet depending on your preferences.
For a savory breakfast, prepare Cream of Rice with broth or milk and top it off with ingredients like cheese, chopped veggies, eggs, or meat. Some savory flavor ideas include:
- Cheddar cheese and broccoli
- Crumbled bacon and green onions
- Diced ham, mushroom, and parsley
- Shredded chicken, salsa, and avocado
For a sweet breakfast, mix in fruits, nuts, spices, or sweeteners. Some sweet Cream of Rice topping ideas include:
- Cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins
- Chopped apples with cinnamon
- Mashed banana and walnuts
- Maple syrup and blueberries
Side Dishes
Cream of Rice can also be served as a side dish to pair with entrees. It provides a neutral base that takes on the flavors of whatever you mix in.
Try making these flavorful side dish options with Cream of Rice:
- Lemon, parsley, and garlic – perfect with fish
- Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes – great with chicken
- Caramelized onions and mushrooms – nice side for steak
- Shredded cheese and chili powder – tasty with Mexican food
Casseroles and Bakes
The creamy texture makes Cream of Rice an ideal ingredient for casserole-style dishes. It gives a velvety base when combined with veggies, protein, and sauce.
Some ideas for Cream of Rice casseroles include:
- Vegetable Rice Bake – Cream of Rice, milk, mixed vegetables, topped with breadcrumbs and cheese
- Chicken and Rice Casserole – Chicken, Cream of Rice, mushroom soup, broccoli, cheese
- Tuna and Rice Casserole – Tuna, Cream of Rice, peas, cream sauce, crushed potato chips
Desserts
The mild flavor and soft texture also make Cream of Rice suitable for desserts. It can be used to create rice pudding or as a base for other sweet treats.
Some sweet Cream of Rice dessert ideas:
- Rice Pudding – Cream of Rice cooked with milk, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla
- Rice Cake – Sweetened Cream of Rice shaped into cakes and griddled like pancakes
- Rice Crisp Treats – Cream of Rice as a gluten free substitute for rice crispy cereal treats
Thickener
Cream of Rice can be used to thicken up soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. The starch released from the rice gives body and richness.
Ways to use it as a thickener:
- Mix a spoonful into pan sauces, gravies, or soups
- Make a Cream of Rice slurry by mixing it with a bit of cold liquid before adding to hot liquid
- Add it to the liquid in savory pies like chicken pot pie to help thicken the filling
Binding Agent
The stickiness of Cream of Rice also makes it a useful binder in recipes like meatballs, veggie burgers, and more. This helps hold the ingredients together.
Some examples of using it as a binder:
- Substitute Cream of Rice for breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf
- Use it in veggie burger or fritter batters to help hold the veggies together
- Add to casseroles or stuffed peppers to help the filling set up
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being versatile in cooking, Cream of Rice offers some good nutritional value:
| Nutrient | Per 1/4 Cup Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Iron | 55% DV |
It is low in fat, high in carbohydrates, and provides a good amount of iron. Cream of Rice gives you sustained energy from all the carbs to start your day. The iron also makes it a nutritious choice, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Gluten-Free
Cream of Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a good cereal option for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It provides a neutral, creamy grain that can be used instead of wheat or oats.
Easy to Prepare
Cream of Rice only takes about 10 minutes to prepare on the stovetop. Just combine it with liquid in a pot and simmer until thickened. You can also make it in the microwave in just a few minutes.
The quick prep time makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings or throwing together a last minute side dish.
Affordable
Cream of Rice is one of the more economical hot cereal options. It typically costs around $3-4 for a large canister, which provides numerous servings. This makes it budget-friendly compared to many breakfast cereals or oatmeal.
Long Shelf Life
An unopened container of Cream of Rice has a shelf life of 1-2 years. Once opened, it will keep for 4-6 months when stored in an airtight container. The long shelf life means you can stock up on it without worrying about waste.
Versatile Ingredients
The mild taste of Cream of Rice also allows you to get creative with mix-ins and ingredients. You can flavor it either simply or elaborately depending on your tastes.
Almost any ingredients pair well with Cream of Rice. Try mixing in your favorite fruits, nuts, spices, herbs, sweeteners, or crunchy toppings.
Smooth and Creamy Texture
The creaminess makes Cream of Rice pleasing and comforting to eat. It has a smooth, malted texture without being goopy. You get the satisfaction of warm oatmeal without the stickiness.
The fluffy texture also pairs nicely with many mix-ins from juicy fruit to crunchy nuts.
Mild Flavor
Cream of Rice has a subtle flavor on its own – not too strong or overpowering. This allows the tastes of other ingredients mixed in to shine through.
Whether you want sweet or savory, the mild rice taste will complement without overpowering other flavors.
Conclusion
With its smooth and creamy texture, mild flavor, and nutritional value, Cream of Rice is an extremely versatile ingredient to keep on hand. It can be used in everything from breakfast dishes to desserts, acting as a neutral base that takes on any flavor profile.
Cream of Rice is affordable, quick to make, and gluten free. The multitude of savory and sweet flavors it can be combined with makes it perfect for breakfast, sides, casseroles, and more. So next time you need a comforting bowl of hot cereal or a thickener for a sauce, consider the versatile possibilities of Cream of Rice!