Cheap and abundantly available, rice serves as a versatile ingredient that's as comforting as it is filling. It also takes a starring role in countless delicious dishes, from risotto and paella to bibimbap and nasi goreng. Looking to transform those packets of rice into something truly special? We've got all the recipes you need.
Blueberry and coconut rice pudding
Juicy blueberries add a wonderfully fruity note – and a burst of colour – to this rich and indulgent dessert. The key to achieving a perfectly creamy end result involves cooking the rice gently over a low heat and stirring occasionally to prevent it from catching. To enjoy the pudding at its best, serve the creamy rice in warm glasses or bowls, with a little of the toasted coconut stirred in and the rest sprinkled on top.
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Spiced rice pudding with bananas
Just the thing when you fancy a comforting dessert with a special twist, this creamy rice pudding becomes all the more special thanks to some gently spicing courtesy of the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, while the rum adds an adult kick. Whatever you do, don’t skip making the banana crisps for the top; they’re really simple to prepare and taste amazing.
Jollof arancini
This culture-clash recipe takes traditional arancini and fills them with the bright flavours of West Africa. Leftover jollof rice – typically made with meat, onions, chillies and tomatoes – rolls into balls around a cheesy mozzarella centre, then deep fries to perfection. You'll want to make the Scotch bonnet sauce too, as it will add a pleasant touch of spice to cut through the richness.
Wild rice salad with grilled avocado
Grilling is a great way to soften up avocados that aren't quite ripe yet. In this wild rice salad recipe, the recipe combines the green fruits with crunchy broccoli, sweet carrots and creamy tahini dressing – resulting in a delicious side dish that's sure to shine just as much as the main event.
Kedgeree
A classic comfort dish with a gently spiced edge, kedgeree evokes both nostalgia and quiet luxury – and it might just be the perfect breakfast or brunch dish when you’ve got a bit of time on your hands. In this recipe, flakes of smoked haddock, tender rice and perfectly runny eggs combine in a beautifully balanced bowlful. As an alternative, you could add a little poached salmon to this too or toss through some flakes of hot-smoked trout when you add the poached fish at the end.
Mushroom and black rice shakshuka
Inspired by classic North African shakshuka – eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce – this dish features an egg cooked in a mixture of vegetables and wholegrain rice. You could use up leftover rice, or even swap it for other cooked grains, if you like. This one's great for a weekend brunch or a well-balanced supper. Just throw in whichever vegetables you have to hand!
Bang salmon rice bowls
Searching for an easy midweek dinner? This tasty salmon dish could be your new go-to. Our recipe packs protein and nourishing vegetables, with a simple bang sauce bringing everything together. It's customizable, too: you can swap out the vegetables for whatever's in the fridge, and you can even switch the salmon for chicken or tofu if you're not in the mood for fish.
Bibimbap
Literally meaning mixed rice in Korean, bibimbap presents a brilliant way to use up any leftovers you’ve got lurking about in the fridge. You could throw in bean sprouts, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced beef or kimchi. Chop and change the ingredients to include whatever suits you – just make sure you top it all off with a crispy fried egg.
Hainanese chicken rice
Originating from the province of Hainan in Southwest China, this dish has become a staple in many Asian countries, from Singapore to Thailand. Our effortless recipe is a simplified take on the traditional dish – you simply boil the chicken with spices until tender, before using the same broth to cook the rice. You could swap out the whole chicken for chicken thighs or legs to make the process even simpler.
Easy ham and rice casserole
You can mix and match this simple dish based on what’s in the fridge or freezer. In our recipe, we mix ham, uncooked rice, and vegetables with stock and condensed mushroom soup, bake it in the oven, top it with grated Cheddar, then bake it until the cheese is gorgeously golden. Who could resist?
Smoky baked chicken with tortillas and rice
Perfect for a family meal, this baked chicken dish is both nutritious and delicious. It's quick to make on a weeknight too, as it makes use of shop-bought pasta sauce – and tortilla chips from the packet top it off for a satisfying crunch. Feel free to experiment with different flavoured tortillas and pasta sauces to really make it your own.
Conclusion
Rice is far more than just a simple pantry staple or a quick side dish. As these diverse recipes show, its incredible versatility allows it to seamlessly adapt to almost any culinary tradition, course, or craving. Whether you are transforming leftovers into a vibrant West African-inspired Jollof arancini, whipping up a comforting spiced rice pudding for dessert, or throwing together a quick, customizable weekday dinner like the bang salmon rice bowls, rice serves as the perfect canvas. By experimenting with different grains, spices, and whatever ingredients you already have in your refrigerator, you can easily elevate this affordable grain into deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality meals at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rice for these recipes?
Yes, several of these dishes are perfect for using up leftover rice. Recipes like the Jollof arancini, mushroom and black rice shakshuka, and bibimbap are specifically designed to help you transform yesterday's cooked rice or fridge leftovers into an entirely new, flavorful meal.
What is the secret to making a perfectly creamy rice pudding?
The key to achieving a rich, velvety texture is patience. You need to cook the rice very gently over a low heat and stir the mixture occasionally. This slow cooking process prevents the rice from sticking or catching on the bottom of the pan while helping it release its natural starches into the milk.
How can I adapt these recipes if I don't have the exact ingredients?
Many of these dishes are highly customizable. For instance, in the ham and rice casserole or the smoky baked chicken, you can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have in your freezer or change the flavors of the store-bought sauces and tortilla chips. In the bang salmon bowls, you can switch the fish for chicken or tofu.
What can I do if my avocados aren't fully ripe for the wild rice salad?
If your avocados are still a bit firm, grilling them is an excellent solution. Grilling applies direct heat that softens up the unripe fruit, making it tender enough to toss directly into your salad alongside the broccoli and tahini dressing.
Is it possible to simplify the Hainanese chicken rice recipe?
Absolutely. While traditional methods can be detailed, you can easily streamline the process by swapping a whole chicken for chicken thighs or legs. This reduces prep time while still allowing you to cook the rice directly in the seasoned chicken broth for maximum flavor.
