4 ways with FAST RICE

One of the handiest kitchen hacks is precooked microwave rice, which you can use as the foundation for all sorts of light meals

1 Cheesy prosciutto rice cakes

SERVES 4 PREP+COOK TIME 15 MINUTES

Heat 450g packaged microwave white longgrain rice according to packet directions. Place ½/2 cup frozen peas in a small heatproof bowl, covering with boiling water. Stand for 1 minute; then drain. Combine peas, rice, 2 coarsely chopped slices prosciutto (30g), 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind, ¼/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives, 1½ cups coarsely grated mozzarella, 2 eggs and ½ cup packaged breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Season. Heat an oiled large frying pan over medium heat. Using wet hands, shape 1/4-cups of rice mixture into patties. Cook patties, in batches, for 2 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Repeat to make 12 patties. Serve patties with watercress; accompany with tomato relish.

2 Broccoli, blue cheese & rice frittata

SERVES 4 PREP+ COOK TIME 25 MINUTES