There are many different kinds of rice recipes as a side dish to enjoy. If you’re looking to eat something with a bit of flavor, you’ll find that you can choose from dishes like Mexican rice, Cajun rice, cranberry rice pilaf, and wild rice pilaf. You can also experiment with some of the more exotic varieties of rice, like risotto and jeera rice.
Wild rice pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a popular dish served during the holidays. It has a nutty flavor, which pairs well with other holiday dishes.
This side dish is easy to make, and can be made ahead of time. To reheat, you can microwave it, heat it on the stove, or even freeze it. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
Wild rice pilaf can be used in any recipe that calls for cooked wild rice. You can also add nuts and dried fruit to the pilaf. Try pairing the dish with cranberries, almonds, and raisins. Other ingredients that are often used in pilaf include garlic and fresh parsley.
To make this pilaf, you’ll need a large skillet. Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Next, you’ll want to saute a diced yellow onion in the hot butter. After 5 minutes, you’ll add a chopped celery stalk. Once the vegetables are tender, you’ll add dried sage, fresh thyme, and chopped apples.
Once you have all of these ingredients, you’ll want to saute the mushrooms for a few minutes. The mushrooms should be coated with black pepper, and cooked until they’re brown.
The rest of the ingredients can be added after the rice. You may choose to add additional broth or water as you cook the pilaf. If the rice appears dry, you can add more broth.
Cajun rice
Cajun rice is a flavorful side dish that can be served with almost any meal. It can be paired with chicken, fish, shrimp, and more. The traditional dish is made with ground beef and chicken gizzards.
If you don’t have ground beef on hand, try using chicken or gizzards instead. Adding a little salt can make the dish more flavorful. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Cajun rice is easy to make. It can be stored for three days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to three months. For the best results, store it in a tightly sealed container.
When you are ready to serve, toss the remaining cup of broth into the pot. Stir to combine. Once the rice is cooked, toss in fresh minced garlic. This will bring out the flavors of the spices without overpowering them.
After cooking the rice, it is important to cool it before storing it. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just make sure to stir it well so that it doesn’t get too dry.
Cajun food is made from the land along the bayous in Louisiana. These simple dishes are easy to make, and require little preparation. They are a popular choice for a quick meal.
To prepare dirty rice, you’ll need ground beef, a green bell pepper, onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. For a spicier version, add a bit of cayenne pepper.
Jeera rice
Jeera rice is an Indian side dish that is delicious and easy to make. The rice is flavored with cumin seeds and other spices. It is often served as a side dish to a curry or dal.
There are many variations of jeera rice. They range from simple steamed rice to spice-rich biryanis. If you are pressed for time or want to avoid all the work, you can cook jeera rice in a pressure cooker.
Alternatively, you can cook it in a pan with a lid. A pan with a lid makes it easy to monitor the cooking process.
You can also use a rice cooker. However, this method may take a little longer. This is because your rice will have to be soaked before cooking. Soaking the rice will give it the fluffy texture that jeera rice is famous for.
Before cooking, you must also rinse the rice. Rinsing it first will remove any excess water that may interfere with the flavor of the jeera rice.
After you have drained the rice, it is time to saute the cumin seeds and whole spices. These spices should be cooked in a medium-hot oil. Depending on your tastes, you can omit the green chillies.
Stir the mixture with a fork to dislodge any pieces of broken rice. This step is especially important because the piping hot grains are fragile. Doing this will prevent breakage later when you fluff the rice.
Mexican rice
Mexican rice is one of the most popular sides at Mexican restaurants. It’s a simple side dish that’s loaded with flavor.
It’s a perfect complement to a variety of Mexican dishes. For instance, you can use it to balance out spicy salsa. Depending on the ingredients, it can be made to be spicy or mild.
This side dish is often served with grilled chicken or seafood. It can also be served with green beans or cheese. You can serve this dish hot or cold.
When you make your own Mexican rice, you can add more flavor by stirring in some spices. Ground cumin and garlic will help to add a nutty, earthy flavor. These ingredients can be added while cooking or after the rice has been cooked.
In addition to being delicious, Mexican rice is easy to make. It can be reheated in the microwave, on the stove top, or in a pan.
You can also freeze leftover Mexican rice for later use. Store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
If you’re serving your Mexican rice with a hot dish, you may want to serve it with a little sour cream and a few sprinkles of shredded cheese. Some people like to add onion to theirs, too.
One of the easiest ways to make Mexican rice is by using a mix of regional ingredients. Long-grain white rice makes for a fluffy texture. Also, toasted rice adds a nutty flavor.
Cranberry rice pilaf
Cranberry rice pilaf is a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s a festive and flavorful dish that can be made on the stove or in your rice cooker. This recipe has a delicious mix of sweet and tart cranberries, which makes it a wonderful choice for fall or winter.
In addition to the cranberries, this dish is flavored with toasted almonds and a savory onion. You can serve it immediately or store it in an airtight container for a few days.
If you’re looking for a simple, quick, and easy side dish to serve during the holiday season, this recipe is for you. To make it, you need to start by cooking the rice in a large pot.
After the rice has been cooked, you can add the cranberries, onions, and butter. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
Next, you’ll need to simmer the dish for about fifty minutes. After the rice has cooled, you’ll need to strain it through a sieve.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can also add in the dried cranberries. This will give the dish a little tang. The cranberries can be served warm or cold.
Finally, you can top your cranberry rice with fresh or dried cherries. These are another popular ingredient that is used in rice pilaf.
If you want to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can replace the cranberries with white beans, dried cherries, or vegetable broth.
Risotto rice
Risotto is a delicious Italian dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It’s a rich, creamy dish that’s easy to make, and it’s gluten free. You can also serve it with meat, seafood, and a variety of vegetables.
If you want to add some protein to your risotto, crispy chicken thighs are a great option. They’re a great way to mix up the texture of your dish, and they’re light enough to not weigh down your meal.
Another great choice for a protein-packed risotto is chickpeas. These can be roasted or pan-fried. Adding them at the end of the cooking process gives them extra texture and flavor.
Roasted mushrooms are another tasty addition to your risotto. These are low in calories and a good source of potassium and B vitamins.
Chicken stock is another great liquid to use in your risotto. It helps to keep your risotto hydrated, which can be a problem with dry, bland risotto.
Fresh herbs are a wonderful accompaniment to your risotto. Try a basil vinaigrette for a vegan version or a classic Italian pesto.
When adding beans to your risotto, make sure they’re rinsed first. This will help them absorb the flavors during the cooking process. Be careful not to add too much. Depending on how much you add, it could prevent the creaminess from forming.