Variety is the spice of life!

So, today we’re talking all about rice… Different varieties… Internationally inspired dishes… Traditional American dishes… all with rice.

My intent is to inspire you, and spark ideas for your own creations.

First, All About Rice Varieties…

Rice is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics. The differences can be in grain size, texture, flavor, and culinary uses. There are literally thousands of rice varieties!

Here are some of the main types and their distinguishing features:

1. White: The most common type, with the bran and germ removed, leaving the white endosperm. It has a mild flavor and soft, fluffy texture when cooked. It’s versatile and used in a wide range of dishes.
2. Brown: Whole grain with only the husk removed. It retains more nutrients than white rice and has a chewier texture and nuttier flavor. It takes longer to cook than white.
3. Basmati: A long-grain from the Indian subcontinent, known for its aromatic fragrance and light, fluffy texture. It’s commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
4. Jasmine: Another long-grain from Thailand, known for its fragrant, floral aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked. It’s often used in Southeast Asian cooking.
5. Arborio: An Italian short-grain, known for its high starch content. It’s the classic choice for making risotto due to its creamy texture when cooked.
6. Sushi: A variety of short-grain from Japan, known for its sticky texture when cooked. It’s seasoned with a mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt, and used primarily for sushi.
7. Wild Rice: Not actually rice but the seed of an aquatic grass, native to North America. It has a chewy outer sheath with a tender inner grain and a slightly nutty flavor.
8. Black (Forbidden Rice): A whole grain with a deep purple-black color, high in nutritional value, and has a nutty flavor. It was once reserved for Chinese royalty.
9. Red Rice: This variety has a reddish husk and is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It has a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture.
10. Sticky Rice (Glutinous Rice): A type of rice that becomes sticky when cooked. It’s used in various Asian dishes, including desserts like mochi and Thai sticky rice with mango.
11. Parboiled (Converted): Partially precooked in its husk and then dried. It’s firmer and less sticky, with more nutrients than regular white.
12. Short-Grain : It’s plump and almost round, and it becomes sticky when cooked. It’s often used in dishes where a creamier texture is desired.

Your choice often depends on the specific requirements of a recipe, such as the desired texture, flavor, and how it holds up during cooking. Each type can bring a unique character to a dish, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

All About Rice Around the World

Incredibly versatile, it can be the star of many dishes. Here’s a list of dishes from around the world where it plays a central role:

1. Risotto: An Italian dish where rice is cooked to a creamy consistency using broth. There are many variations like mushroom risotto, seafood risotto, etc.
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2. Paella: A Spanish dish originally from Valencia, combining rice with ingredients like seafood, meats, and vegetables, all cooked in a special wide, shallow pan.
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3. Sushi: A Japanese dish that includes vinegared rice combined with various ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits.
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4. Jollof Rice: A popular dish in many West African countries, this is a one-pot dish with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices.
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5. Congee: A type of porridge or gruel popular in many Asian countries. It’s often served with accompaniments like meats, fish, and flavorful condiments.
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6. Arroz con Pollo: A traditional dish in Latin America and Spain, combining rice with chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful mix of spices.
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7. Dolma: In some Middle Eastern countries, dolmas are grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and various spices.
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8. Gumbo: A dish from the southern United States, particularly Louisiana, often served with rice as a key component.
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9. Sticky Rice with Mango: A Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk.
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10. Pilaf (or Pilau): A dish in which it is cooked in a seasoned broth, often with added ingredients like vegetables, meat, or dried fruits.
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11. Onigiri: Japanese rice balls that are often wrapped in seaweed and can contain a variety of fillings.
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12. Rice and Beans: A staple in many cultures, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America, combining it with various types of beans and seasonings.
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13. Nasi Goreng: An Indonesian and Malaysian staple, this is a fried rice dish usually cooked with pieces of meat and vegetables.
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14. Tahdig: A Persian dish known for its crispy bottom layer of rice, often flavored with saffron and other spices.
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15. Biryani: A flavorful dish from the Indian subcontinent made with basmati rice, spices, and typically chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetables. →

These International dishes showcase rice in diverse and flavorful ways, highlighting its ability to be the main ingredient in a meal.

All About Rice in the USA

There are several rice dishes that are particularly popular or originated in the United States. American cuisine has incorporated rice in various unique ways, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural influences. Here are some notable examples:

1. Jambalaya: Originating from Louisiana, this is a Creole and Cajun dish featuring rice cooked with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, chicken, sausage, vegetables, and Creole spices.
2. Gumbo: Also from Louisiana, gumbo is a hearty stew served with rice. It often includes a mix of meat and seafood, okra, and a richly flavored stock.
3. Dirty Rice: A traditional Cajun dish, dirty rice is made with white rice cooked with chicken liver or ground beef, green bell pepper, celery, and onion, giving it a “dirty” appearance.
4. Red Beans and Rice: A classic dish in Louisiana Creole cuisine, typically consisting of red beans cooked with spices, and served over white rice.
5. Wild Rice Soup: A creamy soup that’s popular in the Midwest, particularly Minnesota, where wild rice is abundant. It’s often made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth.
6. Hoppin’ John: A southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, often served on New Year’s Day for good luck. It’s usually flavored with bacon or ham hock.
7. Shrimp and Rice Casserole: A comforting dish that combines shrimp with rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.
8. Texas Caviar: Although not a rice dish in the traditional sense, this is a popular side dish in the South made with black-eyed peas, other beans, bell peppers, corn, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s often served with rice or as a dip.
9. Chicken and Rice Casserole: A homey and comforting dish that’s a staple in many American households, often made with a mixture of rice, chicken, a creamy soup base, and a crunchy topping.
10. Lowcountry Red Rice: From the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, this dish is made with tomatoes, rice, sausage, and a variety of seasonings.

These dishes showcase the versatility of rice in American cooking, from hearty stews and casseroles to traditional regional specialties.

Now it’s time to think about rice in creative ways because…

Variety is the spice of life!

For recipes that include rice, check out these…

For nutrition information on rice, go here.

You may also be interested in these best-selling rice cookers…

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