Vegan Recreation: Chick'n and Broccoli Rice

Hey everyone! I hope that you're all doing ok and keeping cool this summer (if it is summer for you). I know it has been a while since I've posted. I haven't been feeling great, I've been dealing with one of the worst fibromyalgia flares I've had in a really long time. The symptoms have been severe, including intense muscle spasm, vertigo-like dizziness, headaches, nausea, pain and indescribable fatigue. I have been completely exhausted and have been in bed unless I'm at work.... and sometimes in bed while I work. On the days where I have been dizzy I've been working from home as I didn't feel safe driving.

I have been feeling a bit better over the past few days and have been more productive. I still need to rest after doing some tasks but at least I've been able to accomplish some chores. I decided to come home during my lunch break and finish my afternoon at home which ended up being a great idea. After work I had a random burst of energy and decided to meal prep for the next few days. It ended up working out really well and I stumbled upon a convenience food recreation!

Now hear me out. I know it looks basic and let's be honest, a little trashy. But that's the point! I had a random idea to try a recreate those instant rice packet side dishes that are... let's be honest... a little trashy. I remember eating the chicken and broccoli flavor from when I was a kid and really wanted to try and make it. I knew it would come together quickly, required only a few ingredients which I happened to have, and would be a comforting, palatable meal for me right now.

I'd give you the recipe but I just kind of threw some shit in a pot and hoped for the best. I'll share how I made it and the measurements I know for sure. It started with a base of the Better than Bouillon No Chicken Base mixed with 2.5 cups of water. After it started boiling I added a cup of Jasmine rice, some soy curls (there is never actually chicken in those packets I just wanted to bulk up the dish and make it a meal instead of a side) and some finely chopped fresh broccoli. I covered the pot and let it sit for 15 minutes and it worked perfectly! I remembered the packet stuff being a little less dry than my rice was so I added an additional 1/4 cup of water mixed with a little more bouillon and it was perfect!

I don't know how or why it worked but it did. It tasted exactly like that packet but with fresh veggies, and only a handful of ingredients. I'm so glad I had the energy and ingredients to give this a try because it was something different to eat. My appetite has been off and nothing has sounded good to me so this has worked out great because I have three more servings that I'm excited to eat!

Just as a little bonus share, I made the very popular frozen yogurt bites this weekend. I made mine with Oui non dairy vanilla yogurt, fresh peaches and strawberries.I froze mine in little clusters and they look delicious but I haven't tried them yet so I'm not 100% sure how they taste. I can't imagine that they would be bad though!

So that's all I have for today. Now that I'm on the mend I'm hoping to post a little more regularly but I'm hesitant to commit to a schedule right now. I hope that you're all having a great week and I'll see you again soon 💜