I wouldn't normally buy something like this, but 'convenience' suddenly grabbed me. I am always open to change!
I was going to prepare some Chicken wings in a Hoi Sin style sauce, and I couldn't think of what I wanted to accompany them. I eventually plumped for a pack of Uncle Ben's spicy Mexican microwave (2 mins) rice.
It's only because Lady M is away, otherwise she would have slapped my wrist. But the thought of a delicious 2 min plate of rice, for £1.40 was very tempting. I had (obviously) never tried such a thing before.
One is advised to 'massage' the pack to separate the grains, then open the pack a bit, before giving it 2 mins in the microwave. Would it be any good?
In fact I was very impressed, the rice itself was excellent. Another time I wouldn't choose the 'Spicy Mexican' version; much better to go for the plain.
I shan't be buying this regularly, but I did notice that the 'use by date' was 08.01.26, so I shall certainly buy one more as a store cupboard stand-by. I can see it being very good for a last-minute Provençal-style stuffing of Tomatoes, Peppers, or Aubergines.
Verdict. 8/10 (which is much better than I'd imagined)
20 comments:
It's a well known brand so you had more of a chance of it being a positive taste experience.
It's a good choice when you're on your own. But also that's a darn good idea to put it in stuffed vegetables.
I'm sure it's available here. Dear old Ben is quite popular. But not in this house. I would definitely get a slap on the wrist.
I regularly use the Tilda brand 2 minute rice which is a good standby. They do a basmati with wild rice version and also lime and coriander. Both are quite good.
I have loads of rice, of all types, in the house too. I would certainly have been scolded.
I shall have a look today; it's my mini-shopping day.
In my experience, I find the frozen individual packets of rice even better ! …. But I’m not sure if they do flavoured ones …. But the Uncle Ben’s ones are still good as a standby in the cupboard. XXXX
It's really good isn't it. I usually throw a few packs in the campervan to save faffing about, plus there's no microwave in the van either, so I just put it in a pan, add a couple of teaspoons of water and heat up that way. Mine is from Lidl, which is about half the price of yours, but still excellent. They do various flavours, mexican being one of them.
£1.40. ?? Have a look in Aldi if you go there again, they do 2 minute rice for 45p ! Even their " expensive" packs are only about 85p! I have used these for years, can't remember when I last actually cooked rice.
I've just returned with two packs of Sainsbury's own packs of rice; one Basmati, the other Long Grain. I had no idea that these were available.
We have been using that kind of ready rice for a few years now - usually the supermarket homebrand which is generally half the price of Uncle Ben's. However, I still like to prepare carefully boiled basmati rice in a big pan with a lid when more rice is necessary.
The two packs I bought this morning were Sainsbury's own, and cost 65p each. I'm still learning!
Yes, I can't see myself not using ordinary rice, but these are great stand-byes.
I suspect you can also get couscous in wee packets that only require boiling water adding.................Wait a minute!
I'll remember that about Aldi, thanks.
Couscous is so easy to prepare that it would almost be impossible to buy a quick version.
Is the simple life, cooking from scratch, or microwave packets?
You are giving the quick meals a whirl.
Cooking for one, changes the meal dynamics completely. Quick and easy rules.
I've had those Uncle Ben's rices before, and they're pretty good in a pinch!
It SHOULD be cooking from scratch, but in reality it's 'occasionally' taking a short cut.
Yes, not really my thing, but whilst I'm by myself I'm trying a few new things (new to me).
A very good back-up ingredient. I like them.
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