Ham and Broccoli Rice Pots

Instructions

1. 1

   Dice the ham into small pieces and finely chop or grate the cheddar. Cook the white rice in the microwave according to the package directions. Empty the cooked rice into a 3.5-liter microwave-safe casserole and break up any clumps with a fork. Stir in the ham, frozen broccoli, water and black pepper, then cover with a vented microwave-safe lid. Small broccoli florets work best.

2. 2

   Using a 1000-watt microwave at full power, heat for 5 minutes. Carefully lift the lid away from your face, stir thoroughly from the edges into the center, and rotate the casserole 180 degrees.

3. 3

   Cover with the vented lid and microwave at full power for another 5 minutes. Stir thoroughly, breaking apart any remaining rice or broccoli clumps, then stir in the cheddar and rotate the casserole again.

4. 4

   Cover and microwave at full power for 2 minutes. Stir and check several places, including the center and pieces of ham, with a food thermometer: the entire mixture must reach 165°F/74°C and the broccoli should be tender. If needed, continue at full power in 1-minute intervals, stirring and rotating between intervals, until that temperature is reached throughout.

5. 5

   Once the temperature is confirmed, cover and let stand for at least 3 minutes. Stir once more and divide evenly among four serving bowls. Allow about 20 minutes overall for heating, stirring, temperature checks and standing.