10 Quick And Easy Dishes You Can Make Using Leftover Rice

Rice is love. Rice is life.

Our lives would be terrible if it weren’t for the existence of this wonderful grain. Even when you have some leftover rice at home and you’re wondering how to creatively make something out of it, here are a few recipes, both easy and grand, to make use of it. And no, you don’t always have to have them for dinner. You can use them as starters, lunch box ideas for kids, or just if you’re feeling creative in the kitchen.

1. Chicken/vegetable and rice soup

Rice, chicken/vegetable broth, chicken/vegetable pieces, ginger, garlic

A perfect mix of tasty and healthy, this one’s perfect for when you want to choose a healthier option for dinner some night.

Here’s the recipe.

 

2. A quick and easy cheese risotto

Rice, cheese, milk, mushrooms, zucchini, brocolli, salt and pepper

If you’re looking to experiment in the kitchen with a different cuisine, Italian food isn’t difficult after all.

Take a pot. Put in the rice, mushrooms, zucchini, brocolli, salt and pepper. Add water which is enough to satisfy the contents in the pot. Let it come to a boil. When the vegetables seem soft enough, add milk and cheese and stir vigorously till the texture becomes soft and creamy. Done!

Here is a more professional recipe. A little complex, but worth it.

 

3. Capsicum/bell peppers stuffed with rice

Rice, capsicum, onion, ginger, garlic, spices, salt

Vegetables and rice, with a twist. Sautee the spices, onion, ginger and garlic, and add rice to it. Cut the capsicum/bell peppers from the top and clean them on the inside. Boil them a bit to make them soft, add rice, and bake. Done for a fancy dinner!

Find detailed recipe here.

 

4. Cheesy rice balls

Rice, maida, green/red chillies, soda bi-carbonate, cheese, mustard powder

Up your pakoda game- you could use this as a starter the next time guests come over. One step: Mix all the ingredients together, and deep fry. You’re welcome.

Get the recipes here and here.

 

5. Garlic and butter rice

Rice, garlic cloves, butter, eggs, spring onions

What doesn’t get better with added garlic and butter? That’s right- nothing. And your rice isn’t any different.
Sautee the garlic and butter. When done, add rice with salt and beaten eggs. Serve hot with spring onions as garnish.

Here’s the detailed recipe.

 

6. Rice salad with mango and cucumber

Rice, mango, cucumber, dhaniya, extra virgin olive oil, ginger 

Summer is here, so chances are that you’re going to want to have light food. Love mangoes? Love rice? Follow this recipe, and make yourself a wonderful summer salad.

 

7. Fried rice

Rice, vegetables of your choice, oil, salt

This is as easy as a recipe can get- when you’re absolutely out of ideas and major vegetables in your house and don’t know what to eat, you can count on fried rice. It’s also incredibly easy to make. You can add any vegetable you have at home (mushrooms and garlic, spring onions, cabbage and soy sauce, or even plain onions), sautee them in a pan with some oil, add rice, and you’re going to get the same output- some yummy fried rice.

Here’s the recipe.

 

8. Simple Khichadi

Rice, dal, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, ginger, salt

When in need for comfort food, Khichadi. Always. And you can make it creatively for a dinner/lunch party too. Here’s the recipe.

 

9. Spicy rice

Rice, Indian spices, onions, curry leaves 

You can never take the spice love out of an Indian. Never. Find the recipe here.

 

10. And if nothing else works, rice with ghee and aaloo bhujiya will do the trick

Rice, ghee/butter, aaloo bhujiya

Lightly make the ghee and rice in a pan, and garnish it with a load of aaloo bhujiya. It’s the perfect midnight snack!

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