Rice is loved in all corners of the world for it's relatively low cost and versatility. In fact, on a global scale, rice is one of the three most commonly eaten food staples in the world.
Whether you feel like eating something spicy or soothing; whether it's the frugal meal the day before payday, or a luxurious supper with friends; a bowl of rice wins the day. Those glorious grains are as happy providing a soft, fragrant bed for slow cooked sticky pork, as they are coated in cheese and cream in a delicious risotto. Try these comforting recipes and rediscover the magic of rice!
1. Thai shrimp and peanut fried rice (h/t MediterrAsian)There are so many flavors going on in this fabulous recipe, and the crunchy texture of the nuts really completes it. Sweet, salty and citrus flavors work brilliantly together for a thoroughly delicious dish!
2. Dirty rice with beefThis dirty rice dish is a great one-pot wonder. Cooked ground beef with rice and beans makes this dish hearty and filling, perfect for the family on the go. Typically a traditional Southern dish, this dirty rice gets a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a cold day or even a casual dinner party, this Southern classic can be enjoyed anytime! Get the full recipe
here.
3. Instant pot chicken fried rice Leftover rice makes a fantastic quick meal when it’s stir-fried with bite-sized pieces of meat or tofu, vegetables and egg, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. But what if you don’t have any leftover rice? If you have an Instant Pot, you can cook the rice and then the eggs, meat and veggies, tossing them together for a delicious fried rice, one-pot meal. Get the full recipe
here.
4. Creamy parmesan rice (h/t South Your Mouth)If you crave creamy, cheesy Italian-style risotto, but don't want to stand at the stove top stirring it for 20 minutes, then give this fabulous recipe a whirl instead! Rich with butter and parmesan cheese, it's absolutely delicious and a truly comforting dish.
5. Arancini with marinara sauce (h/t Just a Taste)Everyone loves arancini; little balls of cooked rice, pressed around a cube of mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs and fried. The delicious crispy outer shell and that melting, creamy cheese center is pretty wonderful!
6. Korean bbq bowls with garlic scented rice (h/t Little Spice Jar)Look at these bowls, all colourful and healthy, while also looking so darn delicious! That beef is beautifully flavored and the garlic scented rice is just heavenly. A true bowlful of happiness!
7. Mexican rice casseroleCan you call something a casserole if it isn't cooked in a casserole dish? Or if it isn't even baked in an oven? Maybe, when it's hearty and full of different ingredients, and feeds a crowd, as in the recipe that follows. Here you'll find a new take on rice that is filled with sweet corn kernels, a little heat from jalapeños and a dash of chili powder, and of course, filling and satisfying rice. Get the full recipe
here.
8. Slow cooker fiesta chicken and riceThis recipe for fiesta chicken and rice brings these incredible flavors straight into your kitchen by way of your slow cooker, leaving all of your fears of expense and complexity at the door! Simple white rice cooked down with stock, tender diced chicken, veggies, chopped tomatoes and spices make this one of those dishes that is simply as accessible as it gets! Get the full recipe
here.
