White rice is a staple in many households and it’s not surprising why. It’s affordable, easy to cook, and goes well with almost anything. It is also a great source of energy, carbs, and other essential nutrients that our bodies require. If you are looking for some easy white rice recipes that you can make at home, you are in the right place. In this article, we have come up with 10 simple and delicious white rice recipes that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Recipe 1: Classic White Rice – Plain white rice is a perfect side dish for any meal. It’s light and fluffy, and goes well with almost anything. To prepare, rinse 1 cup of white rice thoroughly and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Add 1 ½ cups of water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the rice, stir once, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.
Recipe 2: Garlic and Herb White Rice – This recipe is an upgraded version of plain white rice with the addition of garlic and herbs. To prepare, rinse 1 cup of white rice and let it sit for about 20 minutes. In a separate pot, sauté 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a few minutes. Add 1 ½ cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the rice, stir once, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.
Recipe 3: Egg Fried Rice – This recipe is a great way to use leftover white rice. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 beaten egg, season with salt and pepper, and stir until set. Remove the egg from the pan and set it aside. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté 1 chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 chopped carrot for a few minutes. Add 2 cups of cooked white rice and stir until all ingredients are combined. Add the cooked egg back to the pan and stir for a few more minutes.
Recipe 4: Coconut Milk Rice – This recipe is a perfect side dish to accompany curry or grilled meat. In a pot, combine 1 cup of white rice and 1 cup of coconut milk. Add 1 ½ cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.
Recipe 5: Mushroom Risotto – This creamy and flavorful dish is a classic Italian recipe. In a pot, saute 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and stir until they are tender. Add 1 cup of white rice and stir until the rice is coated with the butter. Add 4 cups of chicken stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each cup is absorbed before adding the next. Continue until all 4 cups of stock are added and the rice is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe 6: Spanish Rice – This dish is a perfect side dish for tacos or fajitas. In a pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of white rice and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the oil. Add 1 ½ cups of tomato sauce and 1 ½ cups of water, stir well. Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.
Recipe 7: Rice Pudding – This recipe is a sweet dessert that is perfect for any occasion. In a pot, combine 1 cup of white rice and 2 cups of milk. Add 1/3 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the milk has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add a splash of vanilla extract and stir well.
Recipe 8: Lemon Rice – This recipe is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. In a pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of white rice and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the butter. Add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and the zest of a lemon. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Recipe 9: Mexican Rice – This dish is another perfect side dish for your favorite Mexican dishes. In a pot, saute 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of white rice and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the oil. Add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, ½ cup of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir well before bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.
Recipe 10: Saffron Rice – This recipe is a perfect side dish for any special occasion. In a pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of white rice and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the butter. Add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, a pinch of saffron threads, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Health Benefits of White Rice
White rice is an excellent source of energy, as it is rich in carbohydrates. It is also low in fat and sodium, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lower their blood pressure. Some studies have also shown that white rice may have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve digestion and gut health.
FAQs
1. Is white rice gluten-free?
Yes, white rice is gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
2. Can I store leftover white rice?
Yes, leftover white rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze white rice?
Yes, cooked white rice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. It is best to portion out the rice before freezing for easy thawing later on.
4. Is white rice high in calories?
White rice is relatively low in calories, with 1 cup of cooked white rice containing around 200 calories.
5. What are some other ways to use leftover white rice?
Leftover white rice can be used to make fried rice, rice pudding, soups, stews, frittatas, and salads. It is a versatile ingredient with endless possibilities.
In conclusion, white rice is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. The 10 recipes provided in this article are easy to prepare and are a great way to switch up your typical rice dishes. From plain white rice to flavorful Spanish rice, there is a recipe for everyone. So, next time you are looking for a simple and satisfying meal, keep these white rice recipes in mind.
