One of the best meals to enjoy on a warm summer day is a rice dish. It’s a healthy meal that you can make at home with very little effort. However, there are certain ingredients that you can add to your rice dishes to make them even more flavorful. These include nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chicken livers.
Chicken livers
Chicken livers are a great source of protein, iron, and vitamins B12, D, and K. They are also good for the immune system. A delicious chicken liver dish is easy to prepare. You can serve it with rice, over noodles, or over vegetables.
To begin, cut the chicken livers into small chunks. Then, de-vein the livers, remove the green bile sacs, and rinse the meat with cold water. If you don’t have access to a fresh cut, use frozen or thawed livers.
Heat up the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves and onion, and cook for a few seconds. Once the onions are softened, add the chicken livers, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes on each side.
When the livers are browned, you can add in the mushrooms. After 5 minutes, stir in the spinach. Combine the mixture with the rest of the ingredients, and cook for another five minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and lemon zest.
While the dish is cooking, prep the rice. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the salt and paprika. Afterward, pour the mixture into the pan with the chicken livers. Let it cook for a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
If you are using a non-stick skillet, a simple method to make this dish is to slice the livers into thin slices and to cook them over the onion and pepper. This will allow for an even texture and color.
Coconut oil
It may be surprising to learn that coconut oil can be used in rice dishes. Not only does it add taste, but it can reduce the total carbohydrates in the dish. The calorie content can be cut by as much as 60 percent!
To start, it’s important to find a quality unrefined coconut oil. Refined oils may not have the same coconut flavor. You can also look for coconut oil that is certified organic or non-GMO.
Coconut oil has a unique saturated fat that boosts your HDL cholesterol. Traditionally, saturated fats are associated with high cholesterol.
Virgin expeller-pressed coconut oil is a natural flavorful addition to your favorite rice dishes. Unrefined coconut oil will add even more of the coconut flavor you’re looking for.
As a matter of fact, you can actually reduce the total carbohydrates in white rice by incorporating coconut oil. This is because it changes the structure of the starches in the rice.
By adding coconut oil to the mix, you’ll not only get the flavor, but you’ll also get an extra protective layer that prevents the rice from sticking to the pot. And, the best part? You won’t have to rinse it after cooking.
Another cool thing is that you can cook your rice in a rice cooker. Just set it to ‘keep warm’ and you’ll have a delicious serving dish.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to give your rice a nice stir from time to time to ensure it doesn’t stick.
Nuts
Almonds are a delicious and versatile nut. Not only do they make an excellent snack, they can also be used to spice up a number of dishes. From stir-fries to rice dishes, almonds are a great way to add texture and taste.
They are also a good source of vitamin E, which helps promote a healthy heart and overall well-being. In fact, pistachios have been known to help regenerate nerve endings. Aside from their snazzy looks, they’re also a great source of vitamin B6, which is critical for maintaining an energised nervous system.
To prepare the best nut and rice combination, start by heating up a pot of water. Add a dash of salt to the water and then add in the pre-soaked rice. Simmer for eight to ten minutes. Once the rice is done, add in the nuts and raisins. Let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving.
The best rice recipe also contains the oh so important ingredient, a good quality olive oil. Next, saute the onions in the aforementioned fatty oil over medium heat until translucent. Afterward, toss in the aforementioned novelty (the one that’s a novelty in itself) the pine nuts. When the pine nuts are golden, remove them from the pan and toss them in the aforementioned rice compote.
While you’re at it, consider adding a few optional chili peppers into the mix. This is the best way to add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Seeds
There are a multitude of seeds to choose from. From sunflower seeds to the chia seed, they are all excellent additions to your arsenal of culinary ingredients.
In addition to adding an interesting texture to your meals, they are also chock full of health benefits. Among other things, they keep your body inflammation at bay. Luckily, they are cheap and easy to acquire. For example, they are easy to soak in water and then whip into a smooth plant-based milk.
When deciding which seeds to buy, you’ll want to consider which types will add the most bang for your buck. Some seeds, like hemp, can be sprinkled on just about anything. Others, like the chia seed, can be incorporated into everything from cookies to cakes.
The best way to go about buying seeds is to ask the store attendant about their selection. They should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. To be safe, you’ll want to opt for an airtight plastic container. If you’re in a hot climate, you may want to consider getting your seeds frozen.
If you’re in the mood for a quick meal, sesame seeds are a great way to go. Sesame seeds are iron rich and they are a good complement to curd and veggies. Alternatively, you can use black sesame seeds for a more colorful dish.
However, the best way to go about selecting the best seed for you is to do a bit of research. For instance, you could try looking for the most popular varieties, preferably organic.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are a great addition to rice dishes. They add a little bit of sourness, salt, and sweetness. This combination can make a delicious rice pudding, as well as an accompaniment to a meal. The best part is that they are relatively easy to make.
First, rinse your rice three times. Next, pour some water into a 1-quart saucepan. Add your rice and stir it thoroughly. Once it has sat in the water, bring it to a boil. You should see a nice crust form on the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then cover it and let it stand for at least 25 to 28 minutes.
Now that you have your rice and your topping ready, you can put them together. You can use any ratio of rice and topping. For instance, you might use one cup of rice to one cup of nuts and raisins. Or, you can mix the two together.
To add a little heat and sweet, you can use cinnamon, brown sugar, or caramelized sugar. Adding them to your onion will help to add a different flavor to your meal.
The other logical way to incorporate dried fruit into your dish is to make a rice pudding. You can make it with apricots, cranberries, and golden raisins.
During the cooking process, the fruit will plump up and the rice will soak up the flavor. Serve it with a garnish of slivered almonds or toasted nuts.
Veggies
If you are wondering what veggies to add to rice dishes, you should know that there are many delicious choices. You can mix and match, use a variety of herbs, or try some of the vegetarian alternatives.
To add a little bit of crunch to your meal, choose beetroot. This nutrient-packed vegetable comes in many varieties, including boiled, steamed, and even roasted. It is also a great source of color and flavor.
Another veggie to add to rice dishes is corn on the cob. This is an easy side dish that can be served hot or cold, and is best paired with butter and salt. It can also be used in a number of other dishes, such as chilaquiles and black bean enchiladas.
Several vegetables are available in pre-sliced packages at the grocery store. For added flavor and texture, you can also purchase fresh herbs. Herbs can be added before or after cooking, and can also be substituted for thyme and rosemary.
A simple vegetable rice pilaf is a good choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s also a great side dish for holidays or special occasions.
Another way to serve this dish is to serve it as a stir fry. The combination of the rice, veggies, and spices is a delicious blend. Just make sure that the ingredients are all cut and prepared before cooking.
One popular vegetable to add to rice dishes is cabbage. This vegetable is very low in calories and high in nutrients.