As part of our “walk the grocery store and look for food finds,” the boys came across Maruchan Rice Bowls. They are not listed on the website but can be found in grocery stores and online.
They were packaged in paper bowls, and while they come with microwave directions, they can be made with boiling water. There is a line inside to add the water to.
The cups rehydrate in FBC Cozies to keep them warm on a chilly winter day.
They come in two flavors:
It cost me $1.49. 3.76 ounces in weight.
The cup is similar to ramen. Open up, and find a flavor packet to sprinkle on. Add in the water, stir, cover and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Definitely use a cozy of some sort to insulate it.
The bowls really are blank canvases. They need more added to them. I added in a packet of lower-sodium chicken meat before adding the water.
I didn’t add it, but parmesan cheese would have really made this pilaf better.
It cost me $1.99. 4.02 in weight.
It also has a flavor packet.
I am not quite sure how it had a “Mexican” flavor. It had no flavor profile that made me think of sitting at a Mexican restaurant. It wasn’t bad, but just….bland.
The Takeaway:
As stand-alone “meals,” they were rather disappointing. There is no stand-out flavor in either bowl. They turned out fine, making them the way I did (adding boiling water and letting them sit for 15 minutes).
However, as a base, they have potential. It’s nothing more than premeasured instant rice and broth powder. That has potential, though, if you are in a rush or traveling where you need meals but don’t have the ability to measure out or even store bulk ingredients. Pick up a cup, grab a meat in a can/pouch, and beg for some condiments at the deli counter, and you are on your way to a meal. Most grocery stores carry a tiny bottle of Kraft or store-brand Parmesan cheese in the pasta section. If they have a bulk section, see if they carry dried “soup” mix, which is just dried veggies. Add some in as well for a bit of color.
~Sarah