10 Simple Rice Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Are you tired of eating the same old boring meals week after week? Do you want to try out new and exciting recipes without having to spend hours in the kitchen every night? If yes, then a rice cooker might just be the solution you were looking for.
Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice anymore; they can be used to prepare a wide variety of meals that are healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Here are 10 simple and delicious rice cooker recipes you can try out on busy weeknights.
1. Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf
This vegan recipe is not only healthy but also very tasty. Simply add quinoa, lentils, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and spices to your rice cooker and let it cook until the grains are tender. This dish can be served as a side or main course and is perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Health Benefits: Quinoa and Lentils are both high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for a vegetarian or vegan diet.
2. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish that is easy to make and delicious. Add rice, chicken or shrimp, sausage, onions, bell peppers, celery, and seasonings in a rice cooker along with diced tomatoes. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the flavors have blended together.
Health Benefits: The vegetables used in this recipe provide antioxidants, while the proteins from the meat/shrimp help to build muscle.
3. Veggie Fried Rice
This is a quick and tasty recipe that can be made with any leftover veggies you have in the fridge. Simply add rice, diced vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs to the rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is tender.
Health Benefits: This recipe ensures you’re getting a range of nutrients from different vegetables.
4. Chicken and Rice
This classic comfort food recipe can be cooked effortlessly using a rice cooker. Add rice, chicken, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings to the rice cooker and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. This dish can be served with steamed vegetables on the side.
Health Benefits: Chicken is an amazing source of protein which helps you build and maintain muscle.
5. Quinoa and Vegetable Salad
This is a refreshing and healthy salad that can be made using a rice cooker. Add quinoa, water, and a chopped mix of veggies of your choice (like carrot, cucumber, tomato) to the cooker. Once the quinoa is cooked, mix some lemon juice and olive oil to it for taste.
Health Benefits: This recipe makes for a great cold salad which is a good source of fiber and nutrients.
6. Breakfast Oatmeal
Start your day with a healthy and warm bowl of oatmeal. Add oats, milk, water, and sweetener (honey or maple syrup) to the rice cooker and let it cook until the oats are tender. You can then add your favorite toppings like nuts, fruits and some cinnamon for flavor.
Health Benefits: Oatmeal helps to balance your blood sugar levels, is packed with fiber, and contains compounds that can lower cholesterol.
7. Egg Fried Rice
Another rice cooker recipe that is quick and easy to make is egg fried rice. Add rice, eggs, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and any vegetables you have on hand to your rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is tender.
Health Benefits: Eggs provide protein while the vegetables provide various nutrients.
8. Broccoli and Cheese Rice
This cheesy vegetarian dish is a one-pot wonder. Add rice, broccoli, cheese, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth to your rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is tender. This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread or salad.
Health Benefits: Brown rice is a good source of fiber while broccoli provides a high source of vitamins C and A.
9. Beef and Mushroom Rice
Beef and mushroom rice is a hearty and warming meal that can be cooked in a rice cooker. Add rice, beef, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and beef broth to your rice cooker and let it cook until the rice is tender and the beef is cooked through.
Health Benefits: Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses that contain a range of different nutrients.
10. Chickpea Curry and Rice
This vegan curry is filling, healthy, and easy to make. Add chickpeas, curry powder, onions, garlic, coconut milk, water, and rice to your rice cooker. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the chickpeas are cooked through.
Health Benefits: Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
FAQs:
1. Can you cook meat in a rice cooker?
Yes, most rice cookers come with a sauté function that allows you to cook meat, vegetables, and garlic in the pot before adding the rice and liquid.
2. What type of rice is best for a rice cooker?
Short-grain white rice is best for a rice cooker as it produces a sticky consistency that is perfect for Asian dishes.
3. Can you make desserts in a rice cooker?
Yes, rice cookers can be used to make desserts like rice pudding, apple cinnamon rice, chocolate rice pudding, and more.
Conclusion:
A rice cooker is a versatile tool that can be used to make a variety of dishes quickly and easily. These 10 recipes are not only simple to make but also healthy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Try them out and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Happy Cooking!
