Savory Rice Recipe (3 Ingredients!)

This 3 ingredient Savory Rice recipe is a foolproof method to make perfect rice every single time. Ready in less than 15 minutes, the secret ingredients are stock and creamy canned soup. Trust me when I say this is a fan favorite and is delicious served with vegetables, chicken, fish, or steak.

This easy and quick recipe is convenient for a busy weeknight and makes a comforting meal. It can be served as a simple side dish or you can make it a meal by incorporating a protein and vegetables.

Also known as "Souper Rice", you can customize rice flavors by the flavor of cream-based soup you choose and by adding your favorite herbs and spices for additional flavor. It likens to a quick creamy cheater risotto recipe and is so delicious!

Rice lovers, you'll definitely want to check out my Crockpot Red Beans and Rice, Cheddar Broccoli Chicken and Rice, and my One Pot Spanish Rice! They're easy meals that are great to have in the weeknight dinner rotation!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With only 3 simple ingredients, this savory rice recipe is an excellent busy night go-to recipe!
• Budget-Friendly: This easy rice recipe costs less than $5!
• Endless Flavor Options: Multiple 3 ingredient rice recipes can come from this basic rice recipe. Switch up the soup and seasonings for a completely different and delicious end result!
• Versatility: This comfort food can be served as a side dish or main dish.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Canned Regular or Low-Sodium Cream-Based Soup (Any flavor...Chicken, Mushroom, Celery, Cheese): Cream soup adds moisture, creaminess, and flavor to the rice.
• Broth or Stock: Adds flavor to the rice and helps it absorb a delicious taste.
• Rice: The main ingredient provides a hearty and filling base for the dish. The type of rice used can influence the texture and overall feel of the final product.

Liquid to Rice Ratios

While the steps in this recipe calls for long-grain, basmati, or jasmine rice, you can use another rice variety of your choice. You'll need to adjust the liquid accordingly:

1. White Rice (Long Grain, Basmati, Jasmine):
   • Use a ratio of 2 parts liquid to 1 part rice. Follow the recipe as written.
2. Brown Rice:
   • Brown rice requires more liquid than white rice because it has a tougher outer layer. Use a ratio of about 2.5 to 3 parts water to 1 part rice. For this recipe, add an additional ½-1 cup additional water or broth.
3. Short-Grain Rice (Arborio, Sushi Rice):
   • Short-grain rice typically requires a bit more water to achieve a stickier texture. Use a ratio of around 1.5 to 2 parts water to 1 part rice. Add an additional ½-1 cup additional water or broth to this recipe.
4. Wild Rice:
   • Wild rice is not a true rice but a grass seed. It generally requires more water and a longer cooking time. Use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part wild rice. For this recipe, no need to rinse and add an additional 1-1 ½ cups additional water or broth.
5. Minute Rice (Instant Rice): This rice won't require rinsing and the cook time will need to be adjusted to 5-8 minutes. Use the volume of liquid called for in the recipe.

Tools You'll Need

• 2-Quart Saucepan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Fork or Narrow Spatula

How to Make Savory Rice

1. Whisk together soup, broth and rice in a medium pot on medium-high heat. 

2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender. 
3. Fluff rice with a fork or narrow spatula.

Tips for Perfect Rice

Achieving the perfect savory rice involves the type of rice you choose, proper measurement of ingredients, and using the correct cooking method. Here are some tips to help you the best results:

1. Choose the Right Rice:
   • Different types of rice require different cooking times and water ratios. Basmati and jasmine rice are known for their fluffiness, while short-grain rice tends to be more sticky.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately:
   • Use the correct ratio of liquid to rice.
3. Rinse the Rice:
   • The best way to achieve the ideal texture is to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky. The water should run clear when it's ready.
4. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot:
   • Choose a pot with a thick, heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
5. Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer:
   • Start by bringing the water and rice to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer. This prevents the rice from cooking too quickly and ensures it cooks evenly.
6. Don't Peek:
   • Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking. Steam trapped inside the pot is crucial for proper cooking, and lifting the lid releases it.
7. Fluff with a Fork:
   • A great way to ensure you achieve a fluffy rice, use a fork or narrow spatula rather than stirring it. This helps separate the grains without making the rice mushy.
8. Experiment and Adjust:
   • Different stovetops, pots, and types of rice can require slight adjustments. If your first attempt isn't perfect, take note of what could be improved and adjust accordingly next time.

Variations

• I recommend using regular rice like basmati, long-grain, or jasmine rice in this 3 ingredient souper rice. However, you can also use Minute Rice. It won't require rinsing and the cook time will need to be adjusted to 5-8 minutes.
• A homemade cream-based soup can be used in place of canned. Here are a couple homemade options:
  • Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Homemade Can of Cream of Chicken Soup: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in ⅓ cup milk and ⅓ cup chicken broth until well combined. Season with ¼ teaspoon onion powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
  • Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
• Add seasonings as desired. Consider the sodium content of the broth and canned soup variety you're using before adding additional sodium. Other seasonings that are excellent additions are garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, taco seasoning, paprika, and/or black pepper.
• Fresh herbs can be added to savory rice. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, basil, cilantro, and/or oregano in the rice after it's simmered.
• Any broth or stock variety, beef, seafood, chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth, can work in this rice.
• Add a quarter cup of grated or shredded cheese for a cheesy variation. Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese varieties, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, gouda, Colby, Colby jack, Swiss cheese, and mozzarella all work great in this rice.
• Top or fold in cooked vegetables, crispy chicken, rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, and/or cubed cooked steak.

Storage

Properly storing cooked rice is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and maintain its quality.

Refrigeration: Cool the cooked rice completely and refrigerate in an airtight container. Consume within 4-6 days.

Freezing: Store leftover cooked and cooled rice in an airtight container up to 2-3 months. The texture will be slightly altered.

Reheating: When reheating leftover rice, do so thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria. Reheat frozen rice directly from the freezer without thawing.

Check for Signs of Spoilage: Before consuming reheated rice, check for any signs of spoilage such as an off odor or unusual texture. When in doubt, throw it out. Reheat rice only once. Repeated reheating can lead to bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Easy Side Dish Recipes to Try

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
• Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms
• Roasted Ranch Potatoes