Best 7 Festive Rice Recipes

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**Discover a Culinary Journey of Festive Rice Dishes: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures for Every Occasion**

Rice, the humble grain that forms the foundation of countless cuisines worldwide, takes center stage in this culinary adventure. As we embark on a voyage through the realm of festive rice dishes, we'll encounter a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories. From the vibrant colors of saffron-infused biryani to the aromatic depths of cardamom-scented pilaf, each recipe promises a unique experience that will transport you to faraway lands and cultures. Whether you seek the comforting warmth of a hearty risotto or the vibrant zest of a tangy rice salad, this article has something to satisfy every palate. Prepare to be captivated by the culinary artistry and diversity of these festive rice dishes, as we unlock the secrets of creating unforgettable meals that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Saffron Biryani:** A majestic dish fit for any celebration, this biryani features tender chicken or vegetables enveloped in a fragrant blend of basmati rice, aromatic spices, and saffron.

2. **Flavorful Cardamom Pilaf:** Embark on a journey to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine with this pilaf, where fluffy rice is delicately infused with cardamom, cumin, and a hint of rosewater.

3. **Creamy Mushroom Risotto:** Indulge in the richness of Italian comfort food with this creamy risotto. Arborio rice is lovingly simmered in a flavorful broth, infused with sautéed mushrooms, and finished with a touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

4. **Zesty Lemon Rice Salad:** Refreshing and vibrant, this rice salad bursts with citrusy goodness. Perfectly cooked rice is tossed with a tangy lemon dressing, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.

5. **Exotic Pineapple Coconut Rice:** Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this fragrant rice dish. Jasmine rice is cooked in a velvety coconut milk broth, infused with the sweetness of pineapple and a hint of spice.

6. **Savory Spanish Paella:** Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this classic paella. Bomba rice is cooked in a flavorful broth, adorned with succulent seafood, tender chicken, and an array of colorful vegetables.

7. **Healthy Quinoa and Black Bean Salad:** For a nutritious and protein-packed option, this salad combines quinoa, black beans, fresh corn, and a tangy dressing. It's a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal.

8. **Elegant Saffron and Pistachio Rice:** Impress your guests with this visually stunning rice dish. Basmati rice is infused with saffron and adorned with roasted pistachios, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually captivating.

9. **Delectable Jeweled Rice:** Embark on a culinary journey to Persia with this jeweled rice. Basmati rice is studded with colorful dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, creating a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

10. **romatic Basmati Pulao:** Experience the simplicity and elegance of Indian cuisine with this aromatic pulao. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a blend of spices, vegetables, and nuts, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

FESTIVE RICE SALAD



Festive Rice Salad image

I once had a similar salad at a friend's house and I was determined to re-create it at home. After several tries, I came up with this sweet-tart concoction. It's easy to prepare and colorful, too. -Terri Simpson, Palm Harbor, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup dried cranberries
DRESSING:
1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook rice according to package directions; cool. In a large bowl, combine the rice, peas, red pepper, onions and cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198 calories, Fat 14g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 115mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FESTIVE RICE



Festive Rice image

My mom and I transformed plain rice by adding feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and cayenne. We wound up with a sweet and spicy crowd-pleaser. -Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
1/4 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, bring first 5 ingredients to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour over rice in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, 30-35 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook pumpkin seeds, brown sugar and cayenne pepper, stirring constantly until sugar melts and cayenne coats pumpkin seeds, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat; transfer to a plate, spreading out seeds to cool., Sprinkle cooked rice with feta, mint, cranberries and spiced pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 514mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

FESTIVE WILD RICE



Festive Wild Rice image

Peas and dried cranberries turn that box of wild rice into a main player on the dinner plate!

Provided by Brandi

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 (6 ounce) package uncooked wild rice
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
½ cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • Prepare rice according to package directions.
  • Microwave peas on high for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Fold warm peas and cranberries into cooked rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.4 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 45.5 mg, Sugar 14.5 g

FESTIVE RICE MEDLEY



Festive Rice Medley image

Vicki Zobal of Georgetown, Texas punches up the flavor and nutrition of this fast-fixing mainstay with fresh green cilantro and confetti-colored peppers.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped sweet yellow pepper
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional

Steps:

  • Cook rice according to package directions. In a large skillet, saute the peppers in oil for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add the cilantro, onion, garlic and salt. Stir in the rice and paprika if desired. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 121mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PELOW SHIRIN - FESTIVE PERSIAN RICE DISH



Pelow Shirin - Festive Persian Rice Dish image

A colorful traditional dish with a mixture of delicious flavors and visual appeal. Thanks to my friend Susi for getting it from her sister for me! All of the parts can be prepared the night before except for the rice, then warmed and mixed while the rice is cooking before serving.

Provided by GalicioBocharit

Categories     Rice

Time 2h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 oranges (not shellacked)
3 cups sugar
4 large carrots, cut into matchsticks
4 cups basmati rice or 4 cups persian rice
50 g margarine (for roasting chicken)
oil, for sauteing
50 g margarine (for sauteing)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (8 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 medium roasting chicken
honey-roasted pecans (optional)
slivered almonds (optional)
shelled pistachios (optional)
raisins (optional)

Steps:

  • For candied orange peel:.
  • Coarsely grate orange peels and put in a small saucepan.
  • Cover with 1 liter water and bring to a boil, then drain and repeat this process (to reduce the bitterness).
  • Cover peels with the sugar and add 1 L water.
  • Bring to a boil and then simmer, stirring.
  • After 15 minutes, taste it. It should be very sweet syrup. If it's not, add sugar. If it's too thick, add some water.
  • Simmer until rind looks translucent around the edges and is swimming in sugary syrup.
  • For roasted chicken:.
  • Put whole chicken into an oven roasting dish and drown in the orange concentrate and pats of margarine.
  • Cover and roast in 375°F oven until cooked (approx 1 1/2 hours).
  • When it is done, let it cool slightly in the covered pot until you can safely peel off the skin and cut into bit-sized pieces.
  • Drown the pieces in the chicken's sauce until it is time to serve.
  • For carrot mixture:.
  • Heat 50g margarine and oil in frying pan and sauté the carrots for 5 minutes.
  • Add the cinnamon, then add any of the optional dried fruits or nuts and cover and simmer a few minutes longer, until everything has softened.
  • Add the candied orange peel with its syrup.
  • For rice:.
  • Rinse rice until no longer starchy (water should be clear, not milky).
  • Boil rice with 4 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt, then simmer for 7 minutes. Do not remove the lid, rather leave the rice to cook in the steam for 1/2 hour.
  • Putting it all together:.
  • Drain carrot-orange mixture, keeping syrup to be drizzled on according to taste.
  • Add the carrots and chicken pieces to the rice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1205.7, Fat 25.1, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 35.6, Sodium 234.6, Carbohydrate 228.7, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 129, Protein 20.7

FESTIVE RICE



Festive Rice image

Make and share this Festive Rice recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Iza4248

Categories     Thai

Time 40m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 2/3 cups jasmine rice
4 tablespoons oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 cups water
14 ounces coconut milk
1 lemongrass, stalk
red chile
cucumber, wedges
tomatoes, chunks

Steps:

  • Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water in a large strainer.
  • Heat oil in a large frying pan with a lid. Cook the garlic, onion, and turmeric over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the onions have softened. Add the rice and stir well to coat in oil.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and water and add the lemon grass. Bring to a boil and cook gently until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, about 12 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat and leave for 15 minutes.
  • Remove lemongrass stalk and transfer to a serving platter, add garnishes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1603.7, Fat 65.4, SaturatedFat 36.9, Sodium 132, Carbohydrate 231.3, Fiber 13.2, Sugar 17.5, Protein 23.6

FESTIVE RICE SALAD



Festive Rice Salad image

In 30 minutes or less you have not only a wonderful tasting salad but a beautiful salad. I make this for the holidays. Really looks and taste great and everyone loves it.

Provided by Vseward Chef-V

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups long grain rice
1 1/2 cups water
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
2 garlic cloves or 2 minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vinaigrette
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced red onion
1 cup grape tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, slivered

Steps:

  • Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
  • Place the rice, chicken broth and water in a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring gently to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • When the water is boiling rapidly, stop stirring, cover the pan with the lid and turn the heat down to low. Let cook, without lifting the lid, for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, lift the lid to release the steam, and replace it immediately. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes and serve.
  • Meanwhile, crush the garlic with the salt making a rough paste. Add the garlic paste to the vinaigrette and let stand for at least 15 minutes to combine flavors.
  • Add the vinaigrette to the cooled rice and toss with the vegetables.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the rice will taste. Look for fresh, flavorful vegetables and high-quality rice, such as basmati or jasmine.
  • Rinse the rice before cooking: This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.
  • Use the right amount of water: The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice you are cooking. As a general rule, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice.
  • Bring the water to a boil before adding the rice: This will help to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice until it is tender: This will usually take about 18-20 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork before serving: This will help to separate the grains and make the rice light and fluffy.

Conclusion:

Festive rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you are looking for a simple and classic side dish or something more flavorful and festive, there is a festive rice recipe out there for you.

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