Holiday Rice Recipes The Best Holiday Rice Recipes Around the World

As the holiday season is approaching many home cooks and foodies are drawn to warm and festive foods to share the joy with family and friends. Rice is an ingredient that can be used that is used in a variety of cuisines around the globe. It offers endless options for creating memorable and delicious festive meals. From festive Christmas rice, to pilaf with savory flavor and indulgent casseroles, let's explore a variety of rice dishes for the holidays that add warmth and flavor to your festive dinner table. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Christmas Rice: A Festive Celebration

Christmas rice is a vibrant and festive dish that brings joy to any meal. This recipe combines the fluffy rice with vibrant bell peppers, making a visually appealing and flavorful side dish that's perfect for your Christmas dinner.

To make Christmas rice, start by cooking long-grain or basmati rice according to package instructions. As the rice is cooking prepare the diced green, red, and yellow bell peppers in olive oils with garlic and onions. Then, add Bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of mixed spice for added warmth. When the rice is cooked, add it to the sauteed vegetables and seasonings.

Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the mix of rice for a festive flavor. These sweet morsels are not just a part of the dish's festive look but also provide bursts of flavor to complement the savory elements.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

While not traditionally associated with the holidays the rice of cilantro lime is an energizing and refreshing alternative to the heavier holiday food. This dish pairs well with a range of main courses and adds an energetic, citrusy flavor to the menu for your holiday meal.

To prepare cilantro lime rice, cook long-grain rice in water or vegetable stock. Once the rice has been cooked, fluff it up and add finely chopped cilantro lime zest, lime and lime juice. This light, fragrant rice dish can be served to complement more savory holiday meals and also add a a palate cleanser element to the food.

Mama's Holiday Rice: A Comforting Casserole

For those looking for a flavorful warm, comforting rice meal, Momma's Holiday Rice is a perfect option. This casserole recipe is made with rice as well as a blend of French onion soup and beef consomme to create an incredibly satisfying and filling side dish.

For this delectable dish, melt butter in a casserole dish. Then add canned soups, uncooked rice and water. Add slices of mushrooms and almonds and bake until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. The result is a smooth rice casserole with a delicious flavor that's sure to become a popular holiday dish.

Wild Rice Pilaf - A Nuts and Festive Side

This delightful mix of flavors, textures and colors is ideal for festive dinners. This dish is typically made with wild rice along with dried fruits, nuts and aromatic herbs.

For a delicious wild-rice pilaf, mix white and wild rice along with vegetable or chicken broth. While the rice is cooking, saute onions, carrots, and apples in butter. When the rice is cooked you can mix it with the veggies you've sauteed. Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Additionally fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley. This makes a rich tasty rice dish that's visually attractive and delicious.

For a variation, consider making use of dried cherries instead cranberries and adding some sauteed mushrooms to give it an earthy taste. This recipe is a breeze to adapt to your tastes and can complement any main dish.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A crowd-pleasing classic

A cheesy casserole is a must-have for any holiday dinner. The Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole an iconic recipe that incorporates 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 in separate pots. Make a cheese sauce using an enormous pan with onions, butter and chicken soup cream. Transfer the broccoli and rice to a casserole dish, and then mix the sauce with the cooked rice. Add more cheese and crushed potato chips for a crunchier finish. Bake until golden brown and bubbling.

This casserole is not only delicious, but it is also a fantastic method to include vegetables in the holiday menu with a child-friendly style. The rich texture and the cheesy flavor make it a comforting addition to any holiday table.

Louisiana Dirty Rice - A Spicy Southern Tradition

Louisiana Dirty Rice will satisfy those who prefer a rich, delicious rice dish. This Southern classic recipe combines ground meat with vegetables and spices to create a tasty and delicious dinner dish.

Begin by cooking ground beef and sausages in a large skillet. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and celery - referred to as the "Holy Trinity" in Louisiana cooking. Season the mixture with a blend of spices and herbs such as oregano, thyme chili powder and cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then add broth from the chicken and simmer. Then, add cooked rice and fresh parsley.

The rice dish is incredibly flavorful and comes with the appearance of a "dirty" and slightly smokey appearance due to the browning of the meat and spices. Dirty Rice is a versatile side that can be served with various main dishes or even stand alone as a filling main dish.

Brazilian Christmas Rice A Taste of Tropical Festivals

To give a different spin to rice for the holidays, try Brazilian Christmas Rice. This festive dish is a blend of champagne, raisins, and cashews for a sweet and savory mixture that's very popular in Brazil during the Christmas season.

To make Brazilian Christmas Rice, start by soaking the raisins in champagne. Add the rice, onions and garlic to olive oil and toast lightly. Cook the rice with the champagne that was soaked from the raisins and water until soft. Stir in the cashews and raisins following the rice has been cooked.

This dish is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that are complemented by the sweet raisins, balancing the nutstiness of cashews and the subtle bubbly from the champagne. This dish is a great way to add a touch of Brazilian Christmas to your menu for the holidays and add an exotic new twist.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes

Here are some tips for the perfect rice dish, regardless of the rice recipe you pick:

1. Rinse your rice Always rinse the rice before cooking in order to get rid of any starch. This will give you smoother rice.

2. Use the correct ratio to cook rice properly.

3. Let it sit After cooking, allow the rice rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow for even distribution of water.

4. Playing around with grains Don't be afraid to mix various grains or rices to create a variety of textures and flavors.

5. Season rice: Rice absorbs flavors well So don't be afraid to stay away from seasonings.

6. Make it ahead: Many rice dishes can be prepared in a fraction or completely prepared ahead of time, saving you time on the day of your meal for the holidays.

Conclusion

Rice recipes for holiday meals provide a myriad of options for creating delicious, festive dishes that can complement any festive meal. If you're looking for a vibrant Christmas rice, a comforting casserole, or even a spicy Southern classic, there's a rice dish to satisfy your every taste and tradition.

The rice dishes will bring new flavors and textures to your festive meals while preserving the traditions of food across the world. From the vibrant Christmas rice, to the decadent momma's Holiday Rice and the exotic Brazilian Christmas Rice, these dishes are sure to bring warmth, comfort, and delicious flavours to your holiday dinner table.

So this holiday season, why don't you explore the endless possibilities of rice to create a memorable dish that could be a new family tradition? With these recipes and tips at hand, you'll be well-equipped to make the ideal holiday rice recipe that will impress your family and friends and make your meal even more memorable.