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Rice is an inexpensive and versatile pantry staple. It comes in many varieties and lends itself well to a myriad of dishes. Which is the best variety to use? The healthiest? What are the best rice recipes? Keep reading to find out all you need to know about rice plus the best Healthy Rice Recipes!
What is rice?
Rice is the edible seed of a species of grass. It’s a grain that is widely used across the world’s population.
It is mainly a carbohydrate, but it contains protein and a small amount of fat, too, not to mention many essential vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, selenium, iron, and zinc.
Varieties of rice
There are tens of thousands of rice varieties!
Depending on how they are produced, they can be brown or white.
In the case of brown rice, the whole kernel is intact and it is surrounded by all the bran layers. The rice can be further processed by removing all of the bran layers producing white rice. [source]
Quick cook or instant rice takes it one step further and precooks the rice making it quicker to cook once you get your hands on it. There is very little difference, nutritionally speaking, between quick-cooking rice and regular varieties. For this reason, it’s a pantry staple in my own kitchen as a time saver. It does cost a bit more, but I find the convenience totally worth it.
For convenience sake, I am focusing on the most popular varieties of rice for this article and featuring them in the delicious Healthy Rice Recipes that follow. Note that most of these varieties can be found in both brown and white versions.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is mostly used for making risotto, a creamy broth based dish. It’s an Italian short grain rice with a lovely chewy texture that absorbs liquid easily to become creamy.
Don’t miss the amazing risotto recipes featured in the Healthy Rice Recipes below.
Basmati Rice
Basmati is an Indian long grain rice. It is wonderfully fragrant and flavorful. It comes in both white and whole grain brown varieties. You can find quick-cooking options for Basmati as well.
It pairs beautifully with curry dishes.
Black Rice
Black rice is sometimes referred to as Forbidden rice or purple rice because of its deep hue. It is nearly always sold as a whole grain with the entire bran intact, like brown rice.
It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. There are actually several varieties of black rice.
It is often used in desserts! Check out the Healthy Rice Recipes that follow to find out how!
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a Thai long grain rice. It’s nutty, floral and fragrant and is one of my favorite rice varieties. It comes in whole grain brown or white versions and is relatively quick cooking compared to other varieties.
I love it with curries or tomato based dishes and BBQ flavors. It really goes with everything!
Long Grain Rice
Long grain white rice is one of the most popular rice varieties in the US. It has a mild flavor which lends itself well to any number of dishes. It is also extremely affordable. Long grain rice also comes in brown varieties.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice is a short grain Japanese rice. It is very high in starch, similar to sticky rice, but it can be used just like you would any white rice.
Wild Rice
Wild rice isn’t actually rice. Like rice it is a seed of grass, but wild rice comes from grass that grows in shallow fresh water and is not related to regular rice at all. It can, however, be used as you would use other types of rice.
Wild rice is considered a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids.
How to cook rice
Rice can be cooked in a rice cooker, on the stovetop, in the microwave, in the oven, or even in the Instant Pot.
Personally, I find the stove top the easiest method for myself. Just make sure you use a large pot to prevent boiling over.
I almost always rinse rice before cooking. This decreases the starchiness and ensures it cooks up fluffy. Note: Do not rinse if you want your rice to be sticky or creamy, like in risotto or sushi.
The most common liquid to rice ratio is 2:1, but this does not work for every type of rice. Each variety will take a different amount of time to cook through, as well. Be sure to read and follow package directions for the variety you are using.
Storage/Freezing
Store dry, uncooked rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep well for 6 months to a year. White rice keeps longer than brown rice.
Cooked rice can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days. Or you can freeze it in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 6 months, so it’s ready to be used in any of the delicious healthy rice recipes featured here.
Tips and Tricks for perfect rice
- Rinse the rice well under cold water and drain before cooking. This will decrease the starchiness and ensure that your rice doesn’t become clumpy. Please note: if you are making risotto or any other type of sticky/creamy rice dish – do NOT rinse the rice first.
- Use a large pot to prevent boiling over!
- Use the correct amount of liquid. Each variety cooks a bit differently, so read the package directions carefully and measure correctly.
- Add salt and any seasonings to the liquid once it begins to boil. Or try cooking in broth instead of water.
- Once the liquid is boiling, pour in the rice and give it a quick stir so it doesn’t stick.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and do not open it to stir during the cooking process.
- When the rice is done, remove from heat and let the rice sit in the pot untouched for another 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Rice FAQs
Yes! Rice is a carbohydrate and our bodies main fuel source is carbs. It’s important to get plenty of unrefined whole grain carbs in our diets for energy.
Rice also contains numerous vitamins and minerals, fiber, and even protein.
Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is less processed and contains more fiber.
Rinsing rise is a good idea to remove any dust and debris. It also reduces the amount of starch to help the rice cook up fluffy.
The likely answer is that too much water was used. Each variety cooks a bit differently. Make sure to read the package directions carefully and measure the rice and liquid correctly to ensure perfect rice every time.
Adding a drizzle of olive oil to the pot and toasting the rice for a minute or two before adding the liquid will bring out its nutty flavor. Or try cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water.
Add dried herbs or spices to the pot while cooking and don’t forget to season with salt.
More vegan pantry staple recipes
I hope you love these recipes as much as we do! If you try any of them, please leave a comment below with your feedback.
Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Healthy Rice Recipes
Rice is an inexpensive and versatile pantry staple. It comes in many varieties and lends itself well to a myriad of dishes. You'll love these Healthy Rice Recipes!
Arborio Rice
Southwest Pumpkin Risotto
A delicious, creamy risotto made with a fun Tex-Mex spin and absolutely no dairy!
Vegan Endive Risotto
Creamy, easy, and all in one pot, this risotto is a colorful, tasty and filling dish.
Easy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Risotto made easily in the Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Chanterelle Squash Risotto
Full of delicious fall flavors, this easy risotto is filling and satisfying!
Creamy Rice Pudding With Rosewater and Pistachios
Creamy vegan rice dish with rosewater and pistachios is a creative spin on rice pudding.
Vegan Arancini
Using leftover risotto, these rice balls are stuffed with dairy free mozzarella and come with an air-fryer option!
Basmati Rice
Instant Pot Layered Indian Dinner
All of the components of this dish are made at the same time in the Instant Pot. Try it to believe it!
Coconut Carrot Rice
Nutty basmati rice with fresh ginger, carrots, and coconut is a warm and cozy dish.
Instant Pot Cauliflower and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Coconut Rice
A vegan version of Tikka Masala and it's all made easily in the Instant Pot!
Basmati and Wild Rice with Chickpeas, Currants and Herbs
A hearty, satisfying vegan entrée or a stunning side dish.
Coconut Cream Pie
Proving that dessert can be healthy! This delicious dessert is gluten free, sugar-free, sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and topped with rich coconut cream. And, yes, it's made with rice!
Black Rice
Mango Basil Rice
Rice for breakfast? Yes! And since it's paired with sweet ingredients like mango and pure maple syrup it would work as a healthy dessert, too!
Indonesian Black Rice Pudding
This is another one perfect for breakfast or dessert. Naturally sweetened with coconut milk and coconut sugar, this creamy rice dish has Instant Pot and stove top directions.
Vegan Sushi Bowl
This deconstructed vegan sushi bowl makes a healthy lunch or dinner!
Black Rice Recipe With Apple, Avocado And Carrots
Nutty black rice, sweet apples and carrots, and creamy avocado are the perfect combo is this easy dish.
Forbidden Rice & Veggie Glow Bowl
This colorful bowl is delicious, nutritious, and packed with healthy plant protein.
Forbidden Rice Chocolate Mousse
This wholesome chocolate dessert is made with just 4 ingredients and is made in the slow cooker!
Brown Rice
Rice Bowls with Roasted Veggies
Easily customized with the veggies you have on hand. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Asian Lentil Burger Lettuce Wraps
An Asian-inspired twist on easy veggie burgers. They are crisp and firm on the outside, soft and moist on the inside and hold up really well.
Super Simple Vegan Burrito Bowl
One of the easiest meals you'll ever make! Ditch the utensils and grab some tortilla chips for scooping instead!
Healthy Bean & Vegetable Casserole
This creamy, delicious casserole is guilt free comfort food!
Mixed vegetable ginger & turmeric rice
This one-pot recipe packs tons of flavor and is done in just 30 minutes. A great dish for leftover rice!
Easy Vegan Spanish Paella
This easy vegan Spanish paella is oil-free and made in about 40 minutes.
Jasmine Rice
Thai Sweet Potato Curry
This peanut butter red curry sauce is super kid-friendly and the whole dish is incredibly easy to make!
Gluten-Free Yellow Curry Fried Rice
Yellow curry fried comes together quickly with tofu and vegetables for a yummy dinner!
One Pot Vegan Coconut Curried Brown Rice with Tofu
This dish is a burst of flavors and textures and it's all easily made in one pot!
Easy Vegan Creamy Curry Rice Soup
This hearty curry soup is rich and creamy and completely vegan!
Easy Weeknight Vegan Pumpkin Curry Recipe
This comfort food dish is quick and easy, boasts lots of fall vegetables and and a delicious coconut curry broth.
Long Grain
One Pan Harissa Vegetables, Rice and Chickpeas
This recipe brings tons of flavor, but is an easy, chop and dump meal made all in one pan.
Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Seasoned with garlic, cumin, and cilantro, this easy dish comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs well with any entrée.
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
This flavorful Spanish rice needs only 5 ingredients and is super easy to make!
Black Beans & Rice Meal Prep
If you like to meal prep, this recipe is perfect for you! All components are ready in just 30 minutes, so it's an easy weeknight meal, too!
Sushi Rice
Vegan Fried Rice
Just like the Hibachi-style rice you love, but made in just 30 minutes in the comfort of your own home!
Vegan Sushi with Carrot Lox and Tahini Tofu
There are TWO different types of vegan sushi featured here and each one sounds more delicious than the next. Carrot lox sushi with vegan cream cheese and tahini tofu sushi!
Easy Vegan Sushi Recipe
This vegan sushi, with avocado, tofu, cucumber, and carrots, is a great beginner recipe
Yaki Onigiri
Easier to make than traditional sushi rolls, these Japanese Rice Balls are crispy on the outside and stuffed with avocado and salted peanuts.
Wild Rice
Creamy Leek and Wild Rice Soup
Thick and creamy in flavor, delicate in flavor, and perfect year round!
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad
A high protein, gluten free dish that make a great entrée or hearty side dish.
Vegan Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Salad
The combination of nutty wild rice, a simple maple dressing, and fresh herbs are not only delicious together, but their vibrant colors combine to make one stunning dish.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
Naturally vegan and gluten free, this creamy soup is easy to make, hearty and delicious!
Vegetable Wild Rice
High protein wild rice and vegetables makes a great stand alone meal, but also a tasty side dish for most any entrée.
Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing
This wild rice stuffing recipe would make a great Thanksgiving dish, but is easy enough for any time of year!
Versatile - use what you have!
Orange Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower drenched in a sticky sweet orange sauce with lots of bell peppers. Like take-out, but made easily at home.
Meatless Stuffed Pepper Soup
Filling and hearty, this soup has the taste and texture of the real thing, but is completely vegan!
Quick and Easy Thai Green Curry Vegetables
This easy, flavorful recipe takes advantage of pantry and freezer staples to come together in just 30 minutes!
Vegan Chorizo Cabbage Rolls
Ready in less under an hour, this recipe is oil-free and filled with plant-based chorizo, onion, greens, and rice, and then topped with loads of salsa and a dreamy Mexican cashew cheese!
Spicy Green Rice
This super flavorful spicy green sauce pairs with any rice variety to take your meal from good to great!
Vegan Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
While this recipe suggests white rice, any variety of cooked rice will work.
Easy Pineapple Fried Rice
Like take-out, but healthier and more delicious!
Sour Cabbage Rolls
White or brown short grain rice will work in these sweet and sour cabbage rolls.
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