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What to take to a BBQ

Janet Camilleri · 22/01/2013 ·

WHENEVER we get invited to a BBQ or a potluck dinner, particularly in Summer, this is my “go-to” dish – and I always get heaps of compliments on it. In fact my own children love it and insist I make it just for them occasionally – instead of only to take out and share with others!

It’s a simple recipe, the main thing is to remember to allow at least half an hour for the rice to cook.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice
  • chopped shallots – about 1/4 cup (home grown of course – after all, I *am* the Lady of Shallots!)
  • 1 red capsicum, diced finely
  • 1 cup currants
  • 1 cup roasted cashews (or pecans), chopped
  • 1 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • about 1/4 cup Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce (look for it in the Asian ingredients aisle at your supermarket)

Method:

  1. Cook rice until tender (but not soggy) – about half an hour. Drain and rinse with cold water before placing in a large bowl.
  2. Add  all other ingredients except for about 1 tablesp of shallots, and mix well.
  3. Garnish with shallots on top, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Enjoy!

DID YOU KNOW? January 20 – 27 is Healthy Weight Week – this is a healthy recipe that tastes amazing!

What is your favourite “go to” recipe when you go to a potluck dinner or BBQ (are you going to one for Australia Day)?

Linking up with Essentially Jess for:

Filed Under: Health & Wellbeing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Me says

    22/01/2013 at 10:33 am

    That sounds delicious – think I will print if off and use it at home !!
    Thanks for sharing – have the best day !
    Me

    • Janet says

      22/01/2013 at 12:13 pm

      You’ll love it 🙂

    • June says

      24/01/2013 at 10:51 pm

      I’ve had the pleasure of eating Janet’s rice salad a few times now and can confirm that it’s really yummy!

      • Janet says

        25/01/2013 at 9:36 am

        Aw shucks thanks June! (I’ll pay you at the end of the month … just kidding!)

  2. Julie says

    22/01/2013 at 1:49 pm

    Sounds yummy. I have just done some rice in the cooker (albeit white rice), and was looking for dinner inspiration. Think we will be having a variation on this!

    • Janet says

      22/01/2013 at 4:54 pm

      You’ll have to let me know how it goes!

  3. Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says

    22/01/2013 at 3:00 pm

    I’m a sucker for a good brown rice salad!
    Friends would be surprised if I showed up to a BBQ without my signature French Onion Dip!

    • Janet says

      22/01/2013 at 4:55 pm

      Mmmm that sounds good too Amanda 🙂

  4. Rita says

    22/01/2013 at 4:05 pm

    Looks delicious Janet! We are doing an Australian breakfast BBQ at our house for Australia Day.

    • Janet says

      22/01/2013 at 4:55 pm

      Awesome. I don’t think we’re actually doing anything for Australia Day – how slack is that?!

  5. Annaleis says

    22/01/2013 at 4:37 pm

    How easy is that. One for me to print and try!

    • Janet says

      22/01/2013 at 4:55 pm

      Bon appetit 🙂

  6. iSophie says

    22/01/2013 at 5:40 pm

    Looks so summery! I have a BBQ to go to on Monday, I think this will be perfect to try. Bookmarking!

    Thanks

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 9:59 am

      Let me know how many requests for the recipe you get 😉

  7. Jess @ myheartisyourhome says

    22/01/2013 at 6:44 pm

    I was asked a few weeks ago to make a rice salad and I had NO idea what to do… this would have been handy… it looks delicious!! x

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 9:59 am

      Until I learnt this I didn’t think there was any such thing as a yummy rice salad

  8. Emily @ Have a laugh on me says

    22/01/2013 at 8:25 pm

    OMG this is MY favourite and SIGNATURE dish!! My mum taught it to me and everyone I know wants me to make it, the only difference is I add a tiny bit of parsley!!!! Best dish ever! Emily

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:55 am

      Woo hoo great minds think alike!

  9. Nikki@WonderfullyWomen says

    22/01/2013 at 8:31 pm

    Kecap Manis and rice, a match made in heaven! – Always use it in my fried rice, and I will be giving this one a go this week, sounds and looks yum. Thanks for sharing.

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:00 am

      Yes, it’s great in stirfries too and wombok and noodle salad mmmmm…

  10. Marleisa says

    22/01/2013 at 9:18 pm

    I make that one too – people always love it and want the recipe!!

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:01 am

      I first came across it myself when somebody else made it and I begged them for the recipe so thanks to everyone that shares yummy recipes!

  11. Housewife in Heels says

    22/01/2013 at 9:18 pm

    Looks good. That ABC soy sauce was a staple in my mother’s recipes. Nothing like it!

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:01 am

      I only discovered it about 5 years ago, changed my life! Well, my cooking anyway 😉

  12. Deb @ Home life simplified says

    22/01/2013 at 9:21 pm

    That sounds fab and too too easy! perfect for this hot weather and not wanting to really cook

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:54 am

      Exactly!

  13. BossyMummy says

    23/01/2013 at 12:46 am

    My mum makes similar and it is Yummo! My go to is focaccia from the thermomix abs the basic garlic and herb thermomix dip. Always a winner!

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:02 am

      Sounds good – I don’t have (and don’t even know what it is) a thermomix but I keep hearing good things …

  14. Rachel from Redcliffe Style says

    23/01/2013 at 5:53 am

    I love a good brown rice salad. This looks great! Taking notes 🙂 Rachel xx

    • Janet says

      23/01/2013 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Miss Rachel xxx

  15. Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says

    23/01/2013 at 1:41 pm

    what is it called and how do you eat it? on it’s own, as a side? it looks yummy!

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Meet the Middle Aged Mama

Janet Camilleri is an Australian bloggerHi - I'm Janet Camilleri aka the Middle Aged Mama; crazy cat lady, award-winning business woman, and mother of two grown children. I might be a middle aged woman, but that doesn't mean I've lost all interest in looking stylish! I love chocolate, chick lit, cruising holidays and the husbear - and not necessarily in that order wink. I live in Brisbane, Australia, and I'm learning how to fashion a new life now that we have an empty nest - did somebody say "travel"?!

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