They may start with white rice, but simple additions make these side dishes anything but plain.

1. When rice is done cooking, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil.

2. Saute garlic, add rice, and cook in chicken broth.

3. Stir chopped dried fruit into cooked rice.

4. Cook in a mixture of chicken broth and white wine.

5. Stir toasted nuts into cooked rice.