I Count on This Veggie-Based Rice to Cut Carbs
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What We Tested This Week: RightRice Vegetable Rice
Who This Is Perfect for: Anyone looking to cut carbs but keep flavor
For years, I've gone back and forth with carb-cutting, even foregoing essential filling staples like pasta and rice entirely. With emerging alternatives like chickpea pasta and cauliflower rice on the rise, the process is now slightly more satisfying, but it's never long before I give in, craving a grain-packed burrito or a creamy, rice-based risotto.
When I went in search of a more sustainable approach, I stumbled upon a good-for-you food that doesn't pretend to be something it’s not (looking at you, cauliflower rice), and shockingly tastes better than the real thing (unlike chickpea pasta).
RightRice is the first shelf-stable vegetable grain that's made of four simple ingredients — lentils, chickpeas, peas, and rice — so although it’s not totally carb-free, it impressively contains nearly 40% fewer net carbs than plain white rice. It's also packed with more than double the protein and five times the fiber to help make a meal that's not only guilt-free, but also nutritious.
Developed by the creator of the addictively crunchy potato snack, Popchips, RightRice is available in five savory varieties — original, lemon pepper, garlic herb, Spanish, and the newest, a bold Thai curry blend (currently only available at Kroger and its partner stores) that's flavored with aromatic lemongrass and perfectly spicy chili peppers. Unlike bland and boring white rice, you never have to worry about heavy experimenting with salt or seasonings, so you can expect the same precise balance of flavors with every bite.
Some Amazon reviewers argue that the flavors are too salty for their taste, but I found that an easy fix was simply not adding salt to the boiling water like you typically would when preparing pasta.
It’s not solely the simplicity of a pre-seasoned package that makes this rice easier to prepare than the rest. Because RightRice is packed with wholesome veggies, it cooks far faster than traditional grain-based rice. According to the instructions, just 10 to 12 minutes in boiling water will do the trick, though I've found that my rice consistently cooks in a quick 5 or so. I recommend swapping the water for a low-sodium stock or broth to help give the rice a richer flavor and a luscious, risotto-like creaminess without the added fat or effort.
Tool-wise, all you need is a medium-sized saucepan — just make sure it's nonstick! The brand doesn't recommend using a rice cooker or an Instant Pot (due to the grain's unique makeup). But because it cooks so fast, you really don't need one.
Ready to get cooking? I experimented with everything from saucy stir fries, to spicy stuffed peppers, to hearty burrito bowls, but I also found it to be pretty easy to sub into my usual rotation of sides, soups, and salads to help stay filled up and fueled through the day. If your lack of culinary creativity leaves you in search of inspiration, RightRice offers plenty of genius recipes on their website (this simple and delicious Mediterranean salad will change your life!).
RightRice can be purchased on Amazon in packs of three or six (believe me, you'll want to stock up!), as well as in store and online at Whole Foods, Kroger, and its partner retailers.
Read More:
Healthy Rice Brands That'll Make You Break Up With Empty Carbs
These Game-Changing Chickpea Pastas are Packed With Healthy Protein
Flavorful Gluten-Free Pastas That'll Make You Forget About Your Food Allergy
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