Five Easy Rice Recipes
Rice recipes are my go-to side dish for just about any main course. In some cases, they get top billing as the main dish!
Growing up, believe it or not, I didn’t like rice. In my stepdad’s many attempts to get me to eat rice, he would tell me, “There are people starving and their only meal may consist of rice.” I am not sure how that was supposed to help me like it, but that was his pitch.
Thankfully, today, I am a lover of everything rice, especially Ralston Family Farms rice! Full disclosure, they have sponsored several of my tastier rice recipes, but honestly, I would use their rice anyway. The company is family owned, and the rice is grown, harvested, and packaged here in the U.S. Additionally and most importantly, the taste of every variety they grow is out-of-this-world amazing.
Rice is High Protein, Low Calorie, and High in Nutrition
It’s easy to see why rice recipes are so popular. Rice is healthy, hearty, and low calorie, which are all big pluses in my book. I know a lot of folks on low-carb diets shy away from rice. True, rice has carbs, but in its favor, it also has a good amount of protein and pairs beautifully with high-protein meals.
Rice is low in fat and cholesterol and is packed with fiber, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. It’s certainly an energy booster as well.
What Rice is Healthiest for Your Rice Recipes?
In a nutshell, brown rice has a lower glycemic index and contains more protein and nutrients than many other varieties of rice. It has more fiber than white rice.
On the other hand, black rice (actually deep purple rice) has the highest antioxidant qualities. I love the taste and chew of black rice! Also, black rice and red rice have more fiber and lower calories per cup than brown and white rice. Brown rice has 238 calories per cup, while black and red rice have around 166 calories per cup (Women’s Health).
What are the Best Spices for Rice Recipes?
Since rice is so crazy versatile, you can change the flavor profile by changing up the spices. You can use cumin and cinnamon to go with Indian dishes, or just add salt, pepper, and a pat of butter as a bed for hamburger steak and onion gravy.
I like to think of rice as the catalyst for flavor – any kind of flavor! You can even add sugar and milk and create a pudding from rice.
Poke bowls have become increasingly popular, and I love them. I often create a poke bowl from leftovers – how easy is that?
What is Best to Serve with Rice?
If you are serving a rice dish as the main meal, a nice green salad is a perfect choice.
If you are serving the rice dish as a side dish, any protein will work. Again, the versatility of rice is endless!
Some of my favorites to serve with rice are venison, turkey, 20 minute Greek Snapper, and Roasted Chicken.
I’m eager to share my top 5 recipes that I’ve been feasting on this summer, along with all the vegetables from the garden.
