Everyday Mom's Meals: Side Dish Search
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Sunday, February 19, 2023

Side Dish Search

 If you've been reading this blog for a while, something you've heard me mention numerous times is that when I meal plan, side dishes are usually the thing I struggle with the most. That category is where I find myself falling into a rut more than any. 

Now, like most families, we have certain meals that the same sides have to go with it, no matter what. These boys like what they like, and there are certain combos I can't stray from or they will riot. For example, if fish sticks are on the menu, a blue box of mac and cheese is a must. No questions asked. If I am making a meatloaf, there better be some mashed taters on the plate too. 

But for other meals, I can switch it up, try new things and create new meal combinations, especially if I make something we already love, just in a new way.

A friend gave me this recipe years ago and I forgot all about it, until this past week. I wanted rice to go with some oven-roasted barbecued chicken, but was tired of wild rice and rice pilaf. Somehow I remembered this easy, five ingredient, pantry friendly dish she had shared. 

Souper rice has been around forever, but was 100% new to us. The best way to describe it is a "poor man's risotto." It's creamy and flavorful like risotto, but takes about 1/10 of the work. (If you are making risotto from scratch on a busy weeknight, my sincere respect!) Once you learn the method you can flavor it any way you like and have a tasty side that goes with so many main dishes. 

If you're looking for some new side dish inspo too, I hope you will try this soon and share with your friends!

What Is Souper Rice

This is an easy side dish made from instant white rice, cream of celery soup, chicken broth and some seasonings. It has a similar creamy texture of risotto, but is easier and cheaper to make.

What Kind Of Soup To Use 

I used cream of celery, but any condensed cream soup would work too. Cream of chicken, mushroom or broccoli would be my choices.

What Kind Of Rice To Use

This is a quick cooking recipe that uses instant rice. Using a rice that requires longer cooking will not work the same way.  

What To Serve Souper Rice With

Here are some great dishes this rice would be perfect with!   

Air Fryer Salmon 

Oven Roasted Whole Chicken   

Crock Pot London Broil   

Oven Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken  

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

 

Souper Rice

Souper Rice 

1 1/2 cups instant white rice

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 can cream of celery soup

1/4 cup grated Parmesan/Romano cheese

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. dried parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a medium pot, whisk together broth and soup over medium high heat. Add garlic powder and stir well. Bring to a boil. Add rice, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir well. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Add parsley. Stir well and serve immediately.

Souper Rice

Best Tips

This recipe is made for instant rice. Regular medium or long grain will not work the same.

Swap out any condensed cream soup you want. I think I will try cream of broccoli next.

Use chicken stock for even more flavor.

You won't need as much salt as pepper. Start with a pinch and add more if needed. 

If the rice sits too long, it will become very thick. Simply add extra broth over low heat to thin out.


More Side Dish Recipes To Try Next

Loaded Pierogi Skillet

Pub Mac & Cheese

Creamy Cajun Noodles 

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Broccoli & Grape Salad 

French Onion & Parmesan Rice 

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots 

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash


 

 

 

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