Brown rice, not white rice, is one of the healthiest foods you can consume!  More than that, it is also easy to find at most grocery stores, can be bought in bulk, and is very cheap.  It is so versatile and can be used in numerous different ways.  I suggest purchasing organic brown rice.  It is still cheap, and you are getting a much more nutritional product.  Frankly, I am becoming very concerned about genetically modified foods, so when possible, buy organic. 

Brown rice has only the outermost layer, the hull, removed, and therefore contains much more nutritional value than white rice, which has been completely milled.  White rice has significantly less nutritional value and must be enriched before it can be sold.  It has all of its dietary fiber and essential fatty acids destroyed during processing and most of its vitamins destroyed.  Brown rice still contains all of the original nutrients.  In some Asian countries, where rice is a staple, the word "to eat", literally means, "to eat rice"!

Brown rice is easy to prepare.  You simply add two to three parts liquid to one part rice.  I suggest cooking a large quantity of rice and keeping it refrigerated.  You can then add it to meals during the week.  You can cook the rice in any kind of stock or water.  You can also add millet and lentils to the rice.  Add a chopped onion, too.  This mixture can be seasoned heavily with herbs and spices and some diced chicken and used to fill tortillas.  Top with sour cream and salsa!  You can also add the mixture to additional stock and make a fantastic stew.  Or sautee veggies and mix together with the rice.  Fill a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.  Warm in the oven and serve as a main dish. 

Brown rice can be served as simply or as dressed up as you like!  The list of possible recipes is much too long!  How about warming up your cooked rice (that has been cooked in water), and adding cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and honey.  Top this with almonds and raisins and pour milk over the top.  When the pantry is very bare and money is tight, cook your rice in a chicken or beef broth.  Season this with herbs, sea salt, and a large diced onion.  This can be a filling and very nutritious meal on its own.  Serve the rice with a green salad, a loaf of homemade sourdough bread, and a scoop of cottage cheese.  You could also cook the rice in fish stock and add kelp powder!

Brown rice should be in the pantry of every budget minded, health minded cook.  It is another staple ingredient.  If you have brown rice, you will never lack for a decent meal.