Product Review: Zatarian's Red Beans and Rice

Zatarain's Red Beans And Rice is a convenient packaged food that can easily be used as both a side dish or--with a few modifications--a main dish. The preparation is very basic and simple, making it easy for even the most novice cook. And though it requires very few additional ingredients, the addition of other foods can turn this simple packaged side into an entire meal.

The Product

Zatarain's Red Beans And Rice is one of a number of different side dishes created by the Zatarain's company. The ingredients come in a paper pouch that's inside a basic cardboard box. An 8 ounce box contains four servings.

The overall flavor of Zatarain's food is New Orleans style, and Zatarain's Red Beans And Rice is no exception. The ingredients include rice, red beans, and assorted dehydrated vegetables and spices.

Preparation is easy and involves little more than boiling water, some margarine (or oil), and the rice packet. The finished product takes about 30 minutes.

My Experience

Zatarain's Red Beans And Rice is one of my favorite meals when I need something easy to prepare that requires very little work. One the rice and water are mixed, I can simply let the pot simmer while I do other things.

The final product is a mix of rice, beans and spices in a saucy broth. Those who prefer their rice less saucy can use less water. On occasion I have added some pre-cooked brown rice in the final few minutes of cooking time. This boosts the fiber content, makes the final dish less saucy and stretches the servings a bit.

Follow the directions exactly and the rice always ends up the perfect texture. The beans, too, end up neither too soft nor too hard.

The flavor of the rice and beans is lightly spicy without being overpowering. I find it appeals to a wide range of palates--both those who like spicy foods and those who do not. I have also eliminated or lessened the margarine or oil I add, which doesn't seem to create a significant difference in taste (no one in my family ever notices).