Unique New Product Delivers Health Benefits, Great Taste and Portion Control in 60 Seconds

Riviana Foods Inc. Introduces Minute® Ready-to-Serve Rice

(PRWEB) December 9, 2007 -- Inexperienced cooks do not have to worry about preparing a delicious recipe any more. For a quick and easy meal, those with no time or cooking experience can use Minute's new Ready-to-Serve rice, ready in 60 seconds. Ready-to-Serve comes in five varieties, including the nutty Brown Rice. It is fully cooked with nothing to add.

"A quick meal doesn't have to be unhealthy," said Chef Debbie Jaramillo, test kitchen manager at Riviana Foods. "Not only does Ready-to-Serve rice offer superb taste and texture, but it is also a complex carbohydrate with no trans fat. Moreover, it is gluten-free and cholesterol-free, which makes it the perfect energy source for those looking to shape up or continue a healthy lifestyle."

Minute Ready-to-Serve also allows consumers to take advantage of the health benefits of brown rice and avoid the 45-minute cooking time brown rice usually requires. Ready-to-Serve Brown Rice is 100 percent whole grain and proudly carries the Whole Grains Council seal. According to the Council, whole grains have many health benefits, including reduced heart disease risk, reduced stroke risk and better weight maintenance.

Brown or white, a cup of Minute Ready-to-Serve rice is a quick and healthy way to include a warm snack in a busy schedule, enjoy desktop dining, prepare dinner for the kids or cook a sophisticated meal for a date. Ready-to-Serve rice varieties are available in flavors that will satisfy every taste: White Rice, Brown Rice, Long Grain & Wild Rice, Chicken Rice Mix and Saffron Yellow Rice Mix. To impress your friends and family, try these delicious and easy recipes:

Recipe: Margarita Rice

To Start: Heat Minute Ready to Serve Whole Grain Brown Rice

Then Add: Fresh mozzarella and chopped tomatoes

Then Stir-In: Fresh chopped basil

Other Options: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar

Recipe: South of the Border Brown Rice

To Start: Heat Minute Ready to Serve Whole Grain Brown Rice

Then Add: Cooked black beans, diced fresh tomatoes and sliced green onions

Then Stir-In: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Other Options: Top with chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream

Recipe: Saffron Rice Salad

To Start: Heat Minute Ready to Serve Yellow Rice Mix

Then Add: Chopped grilled fresh asparagus, diced roasted bell pepper and chopped ripe olives

Then Stir-In: Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, Sherry vinegar

Other Options: Add green peas, fully cooked shrimp, sausage or diced chicken

Minute Ready-to-Serve is ideal for consumers looking for portion control and convenience. The product comes in a pack of two 4.4-ounce single-serve cups, with each cup providing approximately 200 calories. Suggested retail price is $1.69. Minute Ready-to-Serve is a product of Riviana Foods Inc.

Use Minute Ready-to-Serve, or any other Minute product, to impress the ones you love and help them stay healthy. With Minute, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. Visit www.minuterice.com for great recipes, products and videos.

About Riviana Foods Inc.

Based in Houston, Texas, Riviana Foods Inc. (www.riviana.com) is one of the largest processors, marketers and distributors of branded and private label rice products in the United States. Principal brands include Minute® (www.minuterice.com), Mahatma® (www.mahatamrice.com), Success® (www.successrice.com), Carolina® (www.carolinarice.com), Water Maid® (www.watermaidrice.com), River® (www.riverrice.com), S & W® (www.s-and-wrice.com), and Gourmet House® (www.gourmethouse.com). Riviana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Puleva, S.A., the leading Spanish food group, with interests in sugar, dairy, rice and pasta products. Its brands include Puleva® diary products, Azzucarera® sugar, the Cigala®, Brilliante®, and Nomen® rice brands and Panzani® pasta, as well as, New World Pasta Company products, including Ronzoni®, San Giorgio®, American Beauty®, Healthy Harvest®, Skinner®, Prince®, Creamette® and Catelli® brands.

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