Description
Discover seven easy and flavorful rice recipes that transform plain basmati rice into deliciously aromatic side dishes. From lemon herb to coconut milk rice and vibrant cilantro lime, each version uses simple ingredients and minimal prep to elevate your meals. Perfect for any occasion, these recipes offer variety and taste, whether you use a stovetop or rice cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Herb Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- Juice of half a lemon (after cooking)
Coconut Milk Rice
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (rinsed)
- 13.5 oz coconut milk (1 can, 400 mL)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups water
Saffron Rice
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- Pinch saffron threads (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Mexican Style Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or regular chili powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (after cooking)
- Juice of 1/2 a lime (after cooking)
Pesto Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1/4 cup pesto (plus more to serve, if needed)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- Fresh basil leaves (after cooking)
- Sliced almonds (after cooking)
Turmeric Spiced Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice in a colander under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Alternatively, you can cover the rice with water in the pot, swirl gently, and carefully pour off the cloudy water, repeating until clear.
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients except those noted as ‘after cooking’ into a pot or rice cooker. Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid and not sticking to the sides of the pot or rice cooker to promote even cooking.
- Cook the Rice: If using a rice cooker, select the ‘white rice’ setting and start the cooking process. If cooking on the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Let Rice Stand: After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Allow the rice to stand and steam for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and improves texture.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Add any fresh ingredients listed as ‘after cooking,’ such as lemon or lime juice, cilantro leaves, fresh basil, sliced almonds, or extra pesto. Mix gently to combine and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- No more boring white rice! These seven easy rice recipes are changing the game with simple ingredients that transform your rice into flavorful, aromatic dishes perfect for any meal.
- For best results, use refined coconut oil as it has a neutral flavor that complements the spices without overpowering the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning and fresh ingredients to your preference for brightness and texture after cooking.
- The saffron should be steeped in boiling water before adding to the rice to maximize its color and flavor infusion.
- These recipes work well both on the stovetop and in a rice cooker for convenience and consistent results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch of lemon herb rice
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 617 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
