Holiday Rice Recipes The Best Holiday Rice Recipes Around the World

As the holiday season approaches many home cooks and foodies turn to comforting and festive foods to share the joy with loved ones and family. Rice is a popular ingredient that is used in a variety of cuisines around the globe. It offers endless options to create unforgettable and delicious holiday meals. Explore a variety festive rice recipes, from colorful pilaf, Christmas rice, and savory to delicious and decadent casseroles. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Christmas Rice: A Colorful Celebration

Christmas rice is a festive and vibrant touch to any dinner. This recipe blends fluffy rice with colorful bell peppers, making an appealing and delicious side dish that's perfect to serve with your holiday feast.

To make Christmas rice, start by cooking long-grain or basmati rice in accordance with the instructions on the package. As the rice cooks prepare the diced green, red and yellow bell peppers in olive oils with onions and garlic. Add the bouillon powder Italian seasoning and a touch of mixed spice for more warmth. When the rice is cooked, combine it with the vegetables that have been sauteed and seasonings.

For an extra festive touch, consider including dried cranberries or raisins to the rice mixture. These sweet morsels not only contribute to the dish's festive appearance but can also add a burst of flavor that complement the flavorful elements.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

While cilantro lime rice isn't typically associated with holidays, it offers a zesty and refreshing alternative to the heavier festive food. This rice is a great match for numerous main dishes, and can add an orange, bright and vibrant note to your menu for the holidays.

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

Momma's Holiday Rice: A Comforting Casserole

Momma’s Holiday Rice will satisfy those who want a comforting, rich rice dish. This casserole-style recipe combines rice with a flavorful mixture of beef consomme, French onion soup, and mushrooms, creating a hearty and satisfying side dish.

To prepare this delicious dish cook butter in a casserole dish and add canned soups, uncooked rice, and water. Top the mixture with sliced mushrooms and slivered almonds, then bake until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. The result is a creamy rice casserole which is certain to become a holiday favorite.

Wild Rice Pilaf: A Nut and Festive Aside

This wonderful mixture of flavors, textures and colors is ideal for the holiday meal. This dish typically combines wild rice with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic herbs, creating an incredibly delicious and flavorful side dish.

For a festive wild rice pilaf, cook a mixture of white and wild rice in vegetable or chicken broth. While the rice is cooking, sauté onions as well as carrots, apples and onions in butter. Once the rice is soft, combine it with the sauteed vegetables and add dried pecans, cranberries and chopped pears as well as fresh herbs such as rosemary and parsley. The result is a hearty tasty rice dish that's both visually appealing and delicious.

Consider substituting dried cherries for the cranberries, or adding sauteed mushroom to the dish for a more earthy flavour. This recipe can easily be modified to your personal taste and can be a great complement to your main meal.

The popular classic of Cheesy broccoli and Rice Casserole

A holiday meal is not complete without a cheesy, comforting casserole. The Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole a traditional side dish that combines rice, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a favorite among both adults and children.

To make this dish that will please the crowd, cook rice and broccoli separately. Make a cheese sauce using a large pan using onions, butter, and the cream of chicken soup. Combine cooked rice and broccoli in the cheese sauce, then transfer the dish to an oven-proof dish. Include more cheese and a crushed potato chips for more crunch. Bake until bubbling and golden brown.

This recipe isn't just tasty, but it's also good for incorporating vegetables in your holiday meal. It's also a great option for kids. The creamy texture and the cheesy flavor make it a great option for any holiday dinner.

Louisiana Dirty Rice: A Spicy Southern Tradition

Louisiana Dirty Rice will satisfy those who prefer a filling, tasty rice dish. This Southern classic recipe combines ground meat, vegetables and spices to make an incredibly delicious and satisfying dinner dish.

Begin by cooking ground beef and sausages in a large skillet. Add bell peppers, celery and onions - the "Holy Trinity" of Louisiana cooking. Add an assortment of herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, chili powder and cayenne pepper to add heat. Stir flour into the chicken broth to create the roux. Add cooked rice and chopped parsley.

The result is a richly flavored rice dish with an almost "dirty" appearance due to the spice mix and the brown meat - hence the name. Dirty Rice is a versatile dish that can be served with many main dishes or be served alone as a delicious main meal.

Brazilian Christmas Rice: A Taste of Tropical Festivals

For a unique twist on rice for the holidays, try Brazilian Christmas Rice. This festive dish incorporates champagne raisins, cashews, and champagne to create a delicious and sweet combination that's widely consumed in Brazil in the festive season.

Begin by taking the raisins out of champagne and soaking them in. Sauté sliced onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add the rinsed rice and gently toast it. The rice is cooked using water and champagne from the raisins that have been soaked in wine. Stir in the raisins and cashews after cooking.

This dish is a delicious mix of flavors, textures and scents. The sweetness of the raisins contrasts the richness and subtle bubbly of champagne. This dish is an excellent way to add a touch of Brazilian Christmas to your menu for the holidays and also give it a unique flavor.

Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes: Tips and Tricks

No matter which holiday rice recipe you choose for your holiday rice, here are some helpful tips to make sure your rice dish comes out flawlessly:

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

2. Make sure you use the correct ratio Make sure to follow the ratio of liquid to rice carefully for properly cooked rice.

3. Let it rest: After cooking, allow the rice sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing and serving to allow for a uniform distribution of the moisture.

4. Experimenting with grains Don't be afraid to mix different grains or rices for different textures and flavors.

5. Season your rice well Rice is a sponge for flavor and absorbs it beautifully, so don't be shy with your seasonings and spices.

6. Make it ahead: Many rice dishes can be prepared in a fraction or completely prepared ahead of time which will save you time to prepare your meal for the holidays.

Conclusion

Rice recipes for the holidays provide a myriad of options for creating delicious, festive dishes that can complement any holiday meal. There's a rice dish for every taste and preference, whether it's an appealing Christmas meal, a comforting rice casserole or a spicy Southern traditional.

By incorporating these diverse rice recipes to your holiday menus, you can add new flavors and textures to your festive menu while celebrating traditional culinary practices from all over the globe. The dishes listed, from festive Christmas rice, to the delicious Momma’s Holiday Rice to the exotic Brazilian Christmas Rice will bring comfort and delicious tastes to any holiday table.

Why not make a dish that becomes a family tradition this festive season? With these recipes and tips in hand, you're well-equipped to craft the perfect holiday rice recipe that will impress your loved ones and family and make your meal extra special.