Enjoy the flavors of the holiday season by trying these Rice Recipes.

A lot of home cooks, culinary experts and foodies turn to festive and comforting meals in the lead up to Christmas to spend time with family and friends. Rice is an ingredient that can be used in many cuisines around the globe. Rice offers a variety of options to cook memorable and delicious holiday meals. From vibrant Christmas rice to delicious pilaf and indulgent casseroles, let's look at a range of holiday rice recipes which will bring warmth and flavor to your festive table. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Rice for Christmas: A colorful celebration

Christmas rice is a vibrant and festive dish that brings joy to any meal. This recipe combines soft rice with vibrant bell peppers, creating an attractive and tasty food item that's ideal for your holiday spread.

Start by cooking your rice as per the package instructions. As the rice cooks in the oven, cook diced red, green and yellow bell peppers in olive oil along with onions and garlic. Season the mixture with Bouillon powder, Italian seasoning and a touch of mixed spice for added warmth. Once the rice is cooked, add it to the vegetables that have been sauteed and seasonings.

For a more festive twist For a festive touch, try adding dried cranberries or raisins to the rice mix. The sweet ingredients not only add to the festive appearance of the meal, but they add a burst of flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

Although cilantro lime rice is not typically associated with holidays, it offers a zesty and refreshing option to heavy holiday meals. This rice dish pairs well with many main dishes and adds an orange, bright and vibrant note to your holiday menu.

To prepare cilantro lime rice, cook long-grain rice in water or vegetable stock. After cooking, you can fluff the rice before adding finely chopped fresh cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. This light, fragrant rice dish can be used to complement more savory holiday meals and also add a an element of cleansing the food.

Momma's Holiday Rice: A Comforting Casserole

Momma’s Holiday Rice will satisfy those who are looking for a comforting, rich rice dish. This casserole recipe is made with rice, a mix of French onion soup and beef consomme for an incredibly satisfying and filling dinner dish.

This delicious dish is prepared by melting butter in a casserole before adding canned soups and rice that hasn't been cooked and water. Add sliced mushrooms and almonds to the mix, and bake until the liquid is absorbed. This delicious, creamy casserole will surely become a holiday favourite.

Wild Rice Pilaf - A Nuts and Festive Side

Wild rice pilaf is an exquisite blend of flavors and textures that's perfect for holiday meals. This recipe is typically prepared from wild rice and dried fruit, nuts and aromatic herbs.

For a festive wild rice pilaf, cook a mixture of white and wild rice in chicken or vegetable broth. While the rice is cooking sauté the onion as well as carrots, apples and onions in butter. When the rice is cooked, combine it with the vegetables that have been sauteed and add dried pecans, cranberries, and fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley. This rice dish is both tasty and visually appealing.

You could substitute dried cherries in place of cranberries and add sauteed mushroom to the dish to give it a more earthy flavor. This recipe is versatile and can easily be modified to fit your preferences and can be a great complement to your main meal.

The classic that is loved by all Cheesy Broccoli, Cheesy Rice and Cheesy Broc Casserole

A holiday meal is not complete without a comforting, cheesy casserole. The Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole an iconic recipe that incorporates rice, broccoli and a rich cheese sauce which makes it a popular choice with both kids and adults.

For this crowd pleaser cook the rice and broccoli in separate portions. In a large skillet make the cheese sauce by using butter, onions, cream of chicken soup, and processed cheese. Combine cooked rice and broccoli with the cheese sauce, then transfer the mix into a casserole dish. Include more cheese and a crushed potato chips to give it more crunch. Bake until the rice is golden brown and bubbling.

This dish is not just delicious, but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into the holiday menu in a kid-friendly format. The creamy texture and cheesy taste makes it a soothing addition to any holiday table.

Louisiana Dirty Rice - A Spicy Southern Tradition

Louisiana Dirty Rice will satisfy those who prefer a hearty, savory rice dish. This traditional Southern recipe combines rice with ground meat, vegetables as well as a mix of spices to create a delicious and satisfying side dish that is able to stand by itself as a main course.

Begin by browning ground sausages and beef in a large pan. Include bell peppers, celery and onions - the "Holy Trinity" of Louisiana cooking. Then, season the dish with the blend of spices and herbs like oregano, thyme chili powder, and cayenne pepper for heat. Mix in flour to make an roux. Add broth from the chicken and simmer. Fold in the rice that has been cooked and the parsley.

It's a deliciously flavorful rice dish that has the slight "dirty" appearance because of the spice mix and the brown meat that is why the name. The versatile Dirty Rice can be served as a side dish that can accompany a variety of main dishes, or as a stand-alone dish.

Brazilian Christmas Rice A taste of Tropical Festivities

To get a new twist on holiday rice, you should try Brazilian Christmas Rice. This festive dish blends cashews, raisins, and champagne to create a sweet salty blend. It is a popular dish in Brazil during the Christmas season.

Begin by taking the raisins out of champagne and soaking them in. Sauté chopped garlic and onions in olive oil, then add the rinsed rice, and then lightly toast it. The rice is cooked with water and champagne from the raisins soaked in the wine. Add the cashews and raisins following the rice has been cooked.

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

Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes: Tips and Tricks

Here are some suggestions for the perfect rice dish, no matter what rice recipe you choose:

1. Rinse your rice Rinse your rice before cooking to eliminate any starch and achieve fluffier results.

2. Use the proper ratio: Follow the ratio of liquid to rice carefully for properly cooked rice.

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

4. Try your hand at grains: Don't be afraid to mix different types of grains or rice for various textures and flavors.

5. Season your rice well Rice absorbs flavors perfectly, so don't feel uninformed about your seasonings and spices.

6. Do it ahead: Many rice dishes can be partially or fully prepared in advance, saving you time to prepare your meal for the holidays.

Conclusion

Rice recipes for the holidays are an excellent recipe for creating festive, delicious dishes that will be a perfect match for any holiday meal. You can choose a bright Christmas rice, a warm casserole, or even a spicy Southern classic There's a rice recipe to suit any taste and style.

The rice dishes will bring new flavors and textures to your festive menu while preserving the culinary traditions of around the globe. From the festive 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 flavors to your holiday table.

Why not create a dish that can become a family tradition this festive season? These recipes and suggestions will help you create the perfect holiday dinner of rice which your guests and family will enjoy.