Brown rice casseroles, like all casseroles, are a hot dish that combines protein, vegetables, and starch in one dish. Rice casseroles can be made in a variety of ways, all of which are delicious and healthy. Tofu or meat, sautéed onions and garlic, cheese or cream, and beans are just a few of the best recipes. Brown rice casseroles can be spiced up with curry or hot sauce, or they can be more subtle.
Casseroles are popular among cooks because they are simple to prepare, one-dish dinners that require less cleanup, and they can be frozen. Most diners, from children to adults, appreciate the layers of flavor that a good casserole provides, and for many, it is a kind of comfort food that brings back fond memories of childhood meals. However, nowadays, many cooks are just as concerned with a meal’s nutritional value as it is with its taste.
People who have grown up eating converted white rice may dislike brown rice, but with a little practice, they can appreciate its nutty, chewy flavor. Unlike brown rice, which is a powerhouse of fiber in a deliciously flavored form, white rice doesn’t offer much in terms of taste, texture, or nutrition. Because it contains a number of other flavors that are already familiar, a brown rice casserole can be a good way to introduce the benefits of the whole grain.
Brown rice casserole has become a fine art for vegetarians. Lightly sautéed tofu or tempeh with seasonal vegetables like summer squash, cherry tomatoes, corn, or beans is a favorite. Casseroles require moisture as well as something to aid in the bonding of the various ingredients. One popular combination is cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and eggs. Adding herbed bread crumbs to the top of the casserole and lightly browning them under the broiler gives the dish a nice crunch.
Layer boneless chicken breasts that have been lightly sautéed with brown rice or wild or domestic mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and a jar of diced, fire-roasted red peppers for a terrifically easy and utterly delicious brown rice casserole that can be thrown together in just a few minutes for cooks in a hurry. The casserole is bound together with a can of cream of mushroom soup and a handful or two of shredded cheese, which adds a creamy texture.
Bacon, red meat, or a variety of beans, as well as lentils, can all be used to great effect in a brown rice casserole. The wise cook understands that experimenting with different types of rice will alter the casserole’s flavor and texture. Short-grain rice has a stickier texture that some diners prefer. Basmati rice is aromatic and flavorful.