Greg and Judis Great Rice

Greg and Judis's Amazing Microwave Rice: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dinner prep, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum often feels impossible. Yet, I’ve always believed in the importance of family meals, those precious moments of connection amidst the chaos. That's where this simple yet brilliant recipe comes in: Greg and Judis's Great Rice. It's a lifesaver, a quick and easy solution that allows me to serve a comforting, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe years ago, tucked away in an old email forward. The original author, Gregory V Pomykala, deserves a standing ovation. His ingenious method of cooking rice in a microwave using a measuring cup transformed my weeknight dinners. No more standing over a stove, meticulously monitoring the water level or battling stubborn rice sticking to the bottom of the pot. This recipe requires minimal cleanup and is ready in under 20 minutes. It's incredibly versatile, too. Depending on your preference and what's on hand, you can effortlessly customize it with bouillon cubes for beef, chicken, or vegetable flavor. I often add sauteed vegetables to boost the nutritional value and give it a bit more texture.

Why this recipe works wonders for busy lives:

• Speed: It's unbelievably fast – perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
• Simplicity: The ingredient list is minimal and readily available in most pantries.
• Versatility: It can be used as a side dish, a base for countless meals (think stir-fries, curries, or even as a bed for grilled chicken or fish), or even as a standalone dish if you add other ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup: Only one measuring cup needs washing!
• Cost-Effective: The ingredients are inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option.

This isn't just a quick meal; it's a symbol of resourcefulness and efficiency. In our fast-paced lives, it represents a way to maintain a sense of normalcy and family togetherness without sacrificing valuable time. It is a perfect example of how a simple tweak in the cooking process can create a big difference in our lives. It's given me the freedom to focus on what truly matters: my family. And the best part is, my kids love it! They happily clean their plates, which makes it all worthwhile. So if you’re searching for a straightforward, delicious, and time-saving recipe that will become a staple in your family's culinary routine, give Greg and Judis’s Great Rice a try. You won’t regret it.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with Flavors: Don't limit yourself to bouillon cubes. Try adding herbs, spices, or even a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Enhance the dish by incorporating cooked vegetables, beans, or leftover meat. A simple stir-fry of your favorite vegetables is a perfect addition.
• Make it a Complete Meal: Serve it with a protein source such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Adjust the Water: Depending on your microwave, you might need to adjust the amount of water slightly. Start with the suggested amount and observe the consistency. If it seems too dry, add a little more water next time.

This recipe isn't just a way to cook rice; it's a testament to the power of simplicity, resourcefulness, and the importance of finding creative solutions to the everyday challenges of life. It's about making the most of limited time while cherishing those moments spent with loved ones around the dinner table. And for a busy mom like me, that’s priceless.

Step-by-step

• In the measuring cup put the margarine, salt, pepper and add water to equal 3 1/2 cups water.
• Note: for beef flavored rice-add 4 beef bouillon cubes; for vegetable flavored rice-add 4 vegetable bouillon cubes; for chicken flavored rice-add 4 chicken flavored bouillon cubes.
• Cover measuring cup and carefully place in microwave.
• Cook on "high" for four 5 minutes.
• Using a pot holder, as handle is usually quite hot, carefully take out measuring cup, and soften cubes with wooden spoon and stir a little (to mix the water and ingredients together).
• Cover and place back in microwave and cook on "high" for 1 more minute.
• During that minute, measure out 1 1/2 cups rice.
• With pot holder again, remove measuring cup and set on wood or formica or on any table covered with towel. Never on a bare stove top or ceramic or porcelain sink (the measuring cup will crack!).
• Now add the rice and gently stir for 5 seconds.
• Cover (and using pot holder) carefully put measuring cup back in microwave and cook for 15 minutes and 40 seconds on "Roast/Bake".
• After the beep, carefully remove and let rice sit for 1 minute.