Holiday Rice Recipes The Best Holiday Rice Recipes Around the World

A lot of home cooks, culinary experts and foodies turn to comforting and festive dishes in the lead up to Christmas to enjoy their families and loved ones. Rice, a versatile ingredient in many cuisines, offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and memorable holiday meals. From vibrant Christmas rice to delicious pilaf and delicious casseroles, let's look at a range of holiday rice recipes which will bring warmth and flavor to your holiday dinner table. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Christmas Rice: A Bright Celebration

Christmas rice is a festive and vibrant dish that adds joy to any meal. This recipe pairs the fluffy rice with vibrant peppers to create a delicious and visually attractive food item.

For making Christmas rice, start by cooking basmati or long-grain rice following the directions on the packaging. While the rice cooks, saute diced green and red bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil. Add Bouillon, Italian seasoning and mixed spices to the mix for warmth. When the rice is cooked, add it to the sauteed vegetables and seasonings.

You can add raisins or dried cranberries into the mix of rice for an extra festive flair. The sweet pieces not only add to the festive appearance of the meal, but they can also add a zing of flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

Although it is not typically associated with the holidays the rice of cilantro lime is an energizing and refreshing alternative to heavier holiday fare. This rice dish can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses and adds a bright, citrusy note to your holiday menu.

To prepare cilantro lime rice, cook long-grain rice in water or vegetable stock. After the rice is cooked, it is time to fluff it and then add finely chopped cilantro, lime zest and lime juice. It's a light delicious, aromatic rice dish that will balance richer holiday foods and add a refreshing taste to your meal.

Momma’s Holiday Rice - A Comforting Casserole

If you're looking for a hearty warm, comforting rice meal, Momma's Holiday Rice is a perfect recipe. This casserole recipe blends rice with a delicious mixture of beef consomme, French onion soup and mushrooms, making a hearty and satisfying side dish.

For this delectable dish make this delicious dish, melt butter in a casserole dish. Then include canned soups, rice that has not been cooked, and water. Serve the dish with slices of mushrooms and almonds and bake until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice becomes tender. This creamy, savory casserole is sure to be an all-time favorite during the holidays.

Wild Rice Pilaf - A Nuts and Festive Side

Wild rice pilaf offers an amazing blend of flavors and textures which is perfect for festive meals. This dish is typically made from wild rice along with dried fruit, nuts, and aromatic herbs.

For a festive wild rice pilaf, boil a mixture of wild and white rice in vegetable or chicken broth. While the rice is cooking saute onions, carrots, and apples in butter. Once the rice is soft add it to the vegetables you've sauteed. Add dried pecans, cranberries and chopped pears as well as fresh herbs such as rosemary and parsley. This makes a rich, flavorful rice dish that is visually attractive and delicious.

Try substituting dried cherries instead of cranberries, and adding sauteed mushrooms for a more earthy taste. This recipe can be easily adapted to your preferences and will complement any main dish.

Cheesy Rice Casserole with Cheesy Broccoli: A classic for crowd-pleasing

There is no holiday dinner without a cheesy, comforting casserole. This classic dish blends broccoli, rice and a creamy sauce of cheese. It is adored by both children and adults.

For this popular dish cook the rice and broccoli in separate portions. Make a cheese sauce in a large skillet using onions, butter and cream of chicken soup. Combine the cooked rice and broccoli with the cheese sauce then transfer the mix to a casserole dish. Add more cheese and crushed potato chips for more crunch. Bake until the rice is golden brown and bubbling.

This dish is not only delicious, but it's good for incorporating vegetables into your holiday feast. It's also a great option for kids. The rich texture and the cheesy taste make it a cozy centerpiece for any holiday table.

Louisiana Dirty Rice: A Spicy Southern Tradition

Louisiana Dirty Rice will satisfy those who prefer a filling, tasty rice dish. This traditional Southern recipe combines rice with vegetables, ground meat, as well as a mix of spices for a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is able to serve on its own as a main dish.

To prepare Dirty Rice, start by making a browning mixture of ground pork sausage and beef in a large skillet. Add celery, bell peppers and onions - the "Holy Trinity" of Louisiana cooking. Season the mixture with a blend of spices and herbs, including oregano, thyme, chili powder and cayenne pepper to add heat. Add flour to chicken broth to make a Roux. Then, add cooked rice and fresh parsley.

This deliciously flavorful rice dish has a "dirty" and slightly smoky appearance due to the cooking process that browns the meat and spices. The scrumptious Dirty Rice can be enjoyed as a side dish to be served alongside a wide range of dishes, or as a stand-alone dish.

Brazilian Christmas Rice: A Taste of Tropical Festivals

Take a look at Brazilian Christmas Rice for a different approach to holiday rice. This festive dish blends cashews, raisins, and champagne to make a sweet and salty mix. It's a favorite in Brazil at the holidays.

To prepare Brazilian Christmas Rice Begin by soaking raisins in champagne. Add the rice, onions, and garlic to olive oil, and then toast them lightly. The rice is cooked using water and champagne from the raisins soaked in the wine. Stir in the cashews and raisins following the rice has been cooked.

This dish is a delightful blend of textures, flavors and aromas. The sweetness of the raisins contrasts the richness and subtle bubbly of champagne. It's the perfect method to introduce a flavor of Brazilian Christmas traditions for your table, and add a touch of exotic to your holiday menu.

Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes: Tips and Tricks

Whatever holiday rice recipe you choose, here are some tips to make sure your rice dish comes out perfectly:

1. Rinse your rice Always rinse the rice prior to cooking to remove any excess starch. This will result in fluffier rice.

2. Follow the ratio for cooking rice correctly.

3. Let it rest After cooking, allow your rice sit for 5-10 mins before fluffing and serving to allow for even distribution of the moisture.

4. Exploring grains Do not be afraid to mix different rices or grains to get a variety of flavors and textures.

5. Season rice Rice is a great food that absorbs flavors well and is a great choice for cooking, so don't shy away from adding seasonings.

6. Do it ahead Rice dishes can be prepared in a fraction or entirely prepared in advance, saving you time for the day of your meal for the holidays.

The article's conclusion is:

Rice recipes for the holidays can be used in a variety of ways for creating delicious, festive dishes that are perfect for any festive meal. There's a rice recipe for any flavor, whether you like a colorful Christmas dish or a warm rice casserole or a spicy Southern classic.

When you incorporate these different rice recipes into your holiday menu it will allow you to add fresh flavours and textures to your holiday dinner while respecting the culinary traditions from around the world. From the festive Christmas rice to the indulgent Momma's Holiday Rice and the exotic Brazilian Christmas Rice, these dishes are guaranteed to add warmth, comfort and delicious flavors to your holiday dinner table.

Why not create a dish that becomes a family tradition this time of year? These recipes and suggestions can help you prepare the perfect holiday dish of rice that your family and guests will enjoy.