#rice

#rice

Indeed, rice is filling and cost-effective. Home cooks know this, and so do professional chefs - which is why, when folks order a burrito at a Mexican restaurant, there's a good chance it's stuffed mostly with rice. Many restaurants do this because rice is simply cheaper than other, even more desirable ingredients. In fact, the fast-casual burrito chain Chipotle has caught major backlash for this very practice.

I have to confess that I'm a bit of a rice hater. Of all the starchy sides I could put on my plate, it's always going to fall behind two of my favorite comfort foods: potatoes and pasta. But as groceries get increasingly expensive, I think it's time to reexamine the humble side of rice. Because really, rice is what you make of it - and you can make it into pretty much anything. These simple rice recipes for dinner and sides will teach you new ways to use up your bag of rice, from elevated side dishes to complete meals.

The kitchen counter is often the place where we leave foods that don't need to be refrigerated. Unfortunately, we might not know exactly which foods are safe to leave out and which ones are not. Correct food storage and safety is something we all need to get clued up on to prevent foodborne illness and food poisoning. Proper storage can also help food maintain its quality for longer, thus preventing food waste.

To elevate plain rice with a dose of umami richness, try pairing it with a homemade mushroom sauce. This will add a new textural element to your dish.