Recipe: Rice and Broccoli Melt

RICE AND BROCCOLI MELT

16 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
3 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups hot cooked rice*
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup French fried onions or bread crumbs (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the broccoli in a medium bowl and ad the green onions, garlic, oil, rice, mayonnaise and soy sauce, mixing well.

Put the mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish that has been coated with nonstick vegetable spray, and top with the cheese. Sprinkle with the French-fried onions if desired.

Cover and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

"It's so easy to make this recipe your own. You can use white or yellow onions instead of green onions, fresh broccoli instead of frozen (just steam or boil it before adding), light mayonnaise instead of regular and different types of cheeses such as Swiss or Monterey Jack instead of Cheddar. You can even add some pepperoni slices or other cooked sausage to make it a lunch or light supper dish all by itself."

*3/4 cup of rice will make 2 cups of cooked rice.

Servings: 8
Source: Mr. Food's Easy Cooking, Spring/Summer 1997