Something I've been working with:
These packs are pretty cheap and are
room temperature shelf stable for at least a year.
The package says "for the microwave" but you can also pan fry it after adding 2 TBSPs of water. You can find this stuff in most North American grocery stores. There are many different flavors (wild, oriental, Spanish, etc.) so no worries about getting bored. Also, a neat "filler" for stuff like canned or dehydrated meals or soups.
The package is a thick, strong plastic with a gusseted bottom, so you can take it outdoors.
I'd like to report on how they hold up over the long term, but they don't stay on my shelf too long.
So, what's the difference between this and good old dry rice? Water and time.
You just need to heat it up and, at most, add a little water.