• 2 cups long grain or basmati rice (measured in standard cup that comes with the rice cooker its equivalent to 3/4 cup
• 1 standard measuring cup any small shaped pasta stars, letters, acini de pepe, or orzo
• 3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil or 50/50 of each

Aromatics

• 3 large cloves of garlic finely chopped (garlic lovers or those living among vampires feel free to increase the amount of garlic)
• 1 shallot finely chopped (or 1/4 yellow onion or 1 green onion green and white parts, finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger optional

Liquid

• Homemade or low sodium chicken broth can substitute beef or vegetable stock approximately 3-4 cups
• 1/2 to 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup dried sliced shiitakes or dried mushroom mix optional

Garnish:

• green onions
• cilantro leaves
• 1 tsp sesame oil