Tuesday, January 3, 2012

My Pantry

I love having a well-stocked pantry.  It makes my heart sing to be able to see all my choices when I open my pantry. 


I like to shop at places that I can get bulk or Costco that has large quantities.  I have learned over the past couple of years that keeping my pantry organized and many of my items in glass jars helps me not to waste.  Whole foods like bulgur, split peas, and barley have a long shelf life.   I try and keep in the pantry. . .

Lentils
Brown Rice
Navy Beans



Here is an easy brown rice recipe that is fast, easy and one that we use often:

1 minced garlic clove
1/2 chopped onion
1-2 chopped stalks celery
1 1/2 c. brown basmalti rice
3 C. chicken or vegetable stock

 Put olive oil in big stock pot. Saute garlic, onion and celery in oil for 3-4 min. on med. high heat.  Add rice and continue to saute until rice starts to turn golden.  Add stock, bring to a boil, put on lid, then turn down to low.  My rice took 30 min.  if you check your rice and the liquid isn't absorbed, cook a little longer. 




I find that if I start my rice first, then continue cooking and preparing dinner that the rice is hot and ready exactly when it is time to eat.  Timing is crucial at my house.  My family says they are "starving" around dinner time.   The leftover rice is great  in soups, or as a fried rice dish.  For my family of seven, I usually double this recipe. 

Yesterday, we went food shopping.  My older girls thought it was great to be able to help get the bulk items.  Pulling the lever on the bulk machine into the clear plastic bags.  They wanted to write the bulk numbers on the twist-ties.  It took a little longer to get my bulk items but I was glad they wanted to help and learn how to navigate the bulk section. I hope that you are able to find many whole grain, whole foods for you pantry.
Eat well, live well and think brown rice!



1 comment:

  1. I love bulk foods too :) your rice recipe sounds great! I love the brown basmati rice. I made an amazing stir-fry with it last week. One of our daughters has troue digesting gluten so your recipe would be perfect for her.

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