Rice Preparations For Every Night Of The Week

Rice is a staple food full of carbohydrates in most parts of the world. Rice is nutritious and easy to digest. Unrefined forms of rice have vitamin B and minerals along with fiber to complete a meal accompanied by vegetables and protein. The starch in the rice provides energy, which can be a part of any meal of the day. Rice is prepared in a number of ways. There is probably no limit to the combinations that can be created along with rice. These recipes are inspired from cuisines all over the world, they make great packed lunches for both school and work.

1. Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

• Vegetable Oil – 2 Tablespoons
• White Rice – 1 Cup
• Chicken Stock – 1/2 Cup
• Tomatoes – 2 Cups
• Bell Pepper – 1/2 Cup Chopped
• Onion – 1/2 Chopped
• Jalapeno – 1/2 Minced
• Garlic – 1 Clove Minced
• Salt – To taste

Recipe:
Toast rice in a skillet with medium heat oil till it releases its nutty aroma.
Puree tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeno and garlic along with the stock. Pour this mixture over the rice and cook till the rice absorbs all the liquid with the lid covered. After 20 minutes, the stove can be turned off, rice can be served after 10 minutes of rest.

2. Bean And Sausage Rice

• Cooked Rice – 1/2 Cup Per Serving
• Red beans – 1 Cup
• Sausages Of Choice – 1 Pound Sliced
• Olive Oil – 4 Tablespoons
• Onions – 2 Chopped
• Celery – 1 Diced
• Bell Pepper – 1 Chopped
• Garlic Cloves – 5 Minced
• Bay Leaves – 2
• Dry Basil – 2 Teaspoons
• Sage – 3/4 Teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper – 1/8 Teaspoon
• Black Pepper – 1 Teaspoon
• Salt – To Taste
• Spring Onion – A Bunch Chopped
• Parsley – For Garnishing

Recipe:
Soak beans overnight to soften and make it easy to cook.
Take a heavy bottom pot, add sausages and let them render out their fat and saute until they turn crispy. Add oil and stir in onions and garlic to infuse their flavor. Next add bell peppers and chopped celery till they soften.
Drop in the beans and water and let simmer, add all the herbs and spices and cook till beans are soft and break when poked. Garnish with spring onions and parsley and serve alongside fluffy white rice.

3. Leftover Rice Cakes

• Leftover Rice – 2 Cups
• Eggs – 2 beaten
• Zucchini – 1 Chopped
• Mint – 2 Tablespoons Chopped
• Spring Onion – 1/2 Cup Chopped
• Grated Cheddar – 1 Cup
• Butter – 2 Tablespoons
• Salt – To taste
• Pepper – 1/2 Teaspoon

Recipe:
Heat the butter in a tiny sauce pan and keep aside. Meanwhile mix all the prepared ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add butter as necessary to make a patty consistence.
Prepare patties and place on a flat pan to shallow fry until both sides are crispy and golden brown.

4. Indian Inspired Rice

• Vegetable Oil – 2 Tablespoons
• Onion – 1 Chopped
• Bell Peppers – 1 Diced
• Mustard Seeds – 1 Tablespoon
• Turmeric Powder – 1 Tablespoon
• Ground Cinnamon – 1/4 Teaspoon
• Ground Cloves – 1/8 Teaspoon
• Basmati Rice – 1 Cup
• Vegetable Stock – 2 Cups
• Chickpeas – Small Can
• Salt – To taste

Recipe:
Saute Onions along with bell peppers in a skillet with medium heat oil. After 5 minutes, add the mustard seeds, cloves, cinnamon and turmeric powders till the oil is infused with these spices
Pour in vegetable stock with salt and allow it to boil, next add the chickpeas with rice and simmer for 20 minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed by the rice, the dish is ready.

5. Flavored Persian Rice

• Basmati Rice – 2 Cups
• Onion – 1 Large Diced
• Saffron Strands – Couple
• Dried Apricots – 1/3 Cup
• Raisins – 1/3 Cup
• Dried Cranberries or Barberries – 1/3 Cup
• Almonds – 1/3 Cup
• Pistachios – 1/3 Cup
• Butter – 6 Tablespoons
• Ground Cinnamon – Half Teaspoon
• Ground All Spice – Half Teaspoon
• Ground Black Pepper – Half Teaspoons
• Ground Cumin – Half Teaspoon
• Ground Cardamon – Half Teaspoon
• Salt – To taste

Recipe:
Prepare the rice by washing it several times under running water till the water turns clear. Drain it thoroughly and add it to a large saucepan with boiling water along with salt. After 5 minutes, drain the water.
In a large skillet, heat butter, add diced onions and cook till translucent. Mix all the powdered spices along with half of the soaked saffron strands and add to the skillet. Next drop in all the dried nuts.
Further step is layering the rice, spread half of the prepared rice in a buttered skillet, pour half the nut mixture, followed with another layer of rice and last layer of nuts and spices. Pour over the remaining saffron water on the top.
Lower the heat and cook for 30 minutes covered. Switch off after this time and leave without stirring for a further 10 minutes. Once removed on a platter, it can be garnished with additional buttered pistachios and almond slivers.

Conclusion

Preparing dishes at home for oneself or the family is a very healthy habit, it also saves money and is fulfilling. Rice can be cooked ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge, it keeps well for many days. It can be used in stir fries or had along with any sauce or gravy. Easy rice recipes make a great addition to anyones cooking repertoire. Tweaking the recipe once in a while can produce completely different results and varied flavors to help make meal time exciting.