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Chili Rice Croutons

Nothing says fall like Chili Rice Croutons! Inspired by our original Rice Crouton recipe, this Chili variation is loaded with bold flavours and nutrition-packed with ingredients like U.S.-grown rice. Start with the basic rice crouton recipe; after sautéing, toss in your cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper and paprika seasonings to your liking. This rice crouton recipe is a great topping for soups, salads and proteins and pairs perfectly with any comfort food.





Yield
Makes about 40 (1 1/4-inch X 1/2-inch thick) croutons
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
1 h 25 min


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250 mL) USA long grain/short grain white or brown rice
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil or cooking spray to sauté
  • Cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper and paprika seasonings

Directions

  1. Cook rice using water as per package directions. Place half of the hot cooked rice in a large measuring cup and purée into a smooth sticky paste with a hand blender (or in the small bowl of a food processor); stir in remaining rice until combined.
  2. Wrap mixture in plastic wrap and smooth into an approximate 8×8 inch square*. Freeze for 1 hour* or until firm enough to slice. Unwrap rice and cut with a knife or mini cookie cutters into desired shapes. Croutons can be kept frozen in an air-tight container for up to three months.
  3. Sauté rice croutons in 3-4 batches with oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat until golden brown and crisp. Toss croutons with cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper and paprika seasonings while hot. Enjoy with salads, soups, as a side or as a snack on the go.

Notes

Estimated 2 tbsp oil.

*alternately, press rice mixture into ice cube trays or moulds in any desired shapes and sizes. Freeze to easily release from moulds.

Use hot reheated leftover rice to make the croutons instead of cooking fresh.

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