Rice is a great way to make a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is a versatile ingredient that can easily accommodate any flavor, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any palate. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, these quick and easy rice recipes will help you create delicious dishes in no time.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of the most popular rice dishes. It is a great way to use up leftovers and make a delicious meal. To make fried rice, you will need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked rice and peas, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is warmed through, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine.
Push the rice to one side of the skillet and pour the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir the eggs into the rice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
One serving of fried rice contains approximately 300 calories, 8 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 795 milligrams of sodium. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a flavorful dish that is perfect for any night of the week. To make Spanish rice, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and corn. Cover and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
One serving of Spanish rice contains approximately 300 calories, 6 grams of fat, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, and 773 milligrams of sodium. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is creamy and full of flavor. To make risotto, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to combine. Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the liquid has been absorbed before adding the next cup. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and creamy, about 20 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, to taste. Serve warm.
Nutrition
One serving of risotto contains approximately 325 calories, 11 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and 656 milligrams of sodium. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. To make rice pudding, you will need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, raisins, walnuts, and vanilla. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pudding is set. Serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition
One serving of rice pudding contains approximately 360 calories, 11 grams of fat, 57 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, and 162 milligrams of sodium. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.