The Best Rice Mixes

Best Rice and Bean Mix

Casbah Lentil Pilaf
 
Like the Latin rice category, bean and rice mixes take up a lot of space on supermarket shelves. Testers found almost all of them chalky and oddly beefy tasting. The exception was Casbah's standout combination of long-grain white rice and lentils. "Creamy and substantial," gushed a volunteer about the hearty blend. "Top it with some plain yogurt and you'd have a meal." "Very filling," agreed another of this vegetarian-friendly dish. "There are as many lentils as rice, and the carrots are a yummy addition."
 
To buy: $2 for 7 ounces.
 
 Serve it with:
 

• Grilled Shrimp and Lemon Kebabs
• Slow-Grilled Leg of Lamb
• Golden Chicken With Tomatoes and Olives