Anyone use Zatarain's rice mixes? (ingredient, tomato, meals, vegetables)

[Threerun]

I like them, I've used them, but the sodium is too high for me.

[fibonacci]

Too salty, and very poor quality 'rice'. I mean it's way, way different than real rice you'd get from an Asian store. Is it really rice?

[Threerun]

It looks like rice, it tastes like rice, and I'd imagine the rice is not from Asia, rather somewhere down in the US South.

Possibly a different variation, but rice it still is..

[jackmccullough]

I use the dirty rice, but I don't follow their instructions or other packaged rice instructions when I cook it.

Instead, I do it just the way my mother taught me:

Place water, rice, seasoning, and oil in the pan.

Bring to a boil and boil for five minutes.

Reduce to low setting, cover, and steam for twenty minutes.

The rice is almost certain to be done, but if the liquid isn't all absorbed leave the heat on and the lid off for another few minutes.

Oh, the other thing that occurred to me is that the directions on the box might tell you to use too much water, like 2 1/2 cups. Just use two cups.

[MainLineMommy]

We love the one with black beans. I do find it a bit salty for my taste, so I like to throw in a few potatoes to soak up the extra salt. I cook it for the time on the box and have never had a problem.

[ccm123]

I use the jambalaya and red beans & rice and have had great results with both. I stretch and spice up the jambalaya by adding another cup of white rice, along with chicken and shrimp and a lot of red pepper flakes.

[NoleFanHSV]

I cook the red beans and rice all the time. I don't put in the amount of water they say, because it makes for a soupier red beans and rice. It really depends on how done you want the rice and beans and how much sauce you want.

[DONNIEANDDONNA417]

trying using it for stuff green peppers...it is to die for

[jimj]

We used to until we realized it had MSG in it. Wife is sensitive to MSG (headaches) so we steer clear now.
Also, the "real deal" is wayyy better than package can provide. I make up a big batch and after dinner put it in medium sized plastic containers like sour cream containers, freeze it then pop it out and vacuum pack it for future use.

[Gorges]

I used to make their red beans and rice when we had kids at home and I was working full time. Never had any problem with the cooking time. I haven't bought it in years because the sodium is way too high.