Trader Joes Basmati Rice Medley, Review

I came across Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley one day when my mom brought it over for me after her recent Trader Joe's shopping trip. I put it away in my pantry and for some strange reason I forgot all about it, until one day I was low on groceries and went digging through my pantry for something, anything to make.

At first when I was given the rice medley I thought it was just a rice mix with basmati, wild rice, etc. It wasn't until that fateful low on groceries day that I found out it had a medley of rice, dried vegetables and a couple seasonings.

Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley really lives up to its name medley. It seem to offer a medley of flavor and texture with each bite. With occasional bites I can taste lemon peel. It surprises me every time, pleasantly. Other times I can taste the carrot, mushroom or bell pepper. It has garlic in it too but I don't really notice it. I don't know if it is because there isn't much in it or because I am so use to strong garlic flavor, as I always add lots of garlic to food I make with garlic.

I prepare it exactly as it says on the package, which is basic with just the Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley, water and a tablespoon of oil, margarine, etc (I assume you can leave out the oil out but I made it with.) It took only 15 minutes. It came out perfect even the time was exact. The Basmati is light and fluffy, while the wild rice mixed in add a little extra firmness and some of the vegetables a little chewy adding variety to each bite.

The flavor is very mild. Do not expect a highly flavored or seasoned mix like you would get from something like Rice-a-Roni. It is not at all like that. There isn't even any salt added to this mix. I personally like it with just a dash of salt and some times a little tahini. If you are looking for the highly seasoned box mixes you can get this but think of it more of a jumping board and add the taste you want and have control over the salt you add. It is also delicious compliment to other food like Indian dishes, like Bengal Lentils which you can pour over and enjoy. I also like it with just lentils poured over the rice.

Now that I tried Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley I wonder why I let it sit in my pantry for so long. I don't make it too Trader Joe's as often as I want to but I think I will be adding this to my Trader Joe's Staples list.

.

Ingredients: Indian Basmati Rice, Wild Rice, Dehydrated Carrots, Onions, Celery, Red Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Parsley, Garlic. Lemon peel.