Rice dishes are a staple on holiday tables, and these festive rice dishes are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, these recipes promise robust flavors and stunning presentations that are perfect for any holiday celebration. From Christmas rice to harvest rice, these recipes will elevate your holiday table and make it a memorable feast.
Let’s explore some delicious holiday rice dishes that will add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations!
Christmas Rice: A Colorful and Flavorful Feast
Looking for a colorful and flavorful addition to your holiday dinner? Try this Christmas rice recipe. It is fluffy, flavorful, and packed with holiday flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice (such as basmati, long grain, or brown rice)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced bell peppers, bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, mixed spice (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and mix well until all the flavors are combined.
- Remove from heat and serve as a colorful and flavorful side dish.
This Christmas rice can be paired with proteins or vegetables for a complete festive meal.
Expert Tip:
To add an extra burst of flavor, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
Beginner Tip:
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and mixed spice.
Health-conscious Tip:
Choose brown rice for a healthier option with added fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestion:
Pair this Christmas rice with roasted turkey or grilled vegetables for a festive and colorful holiday plate.
Make it in Advance:
You can prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Leftover Love:
Transform the leftover Christmas rice into a delicious fried rice by sautéing it with some diced chicken or shrimp and your favorite vegetables.
Key Takeaways:
- Christmas rice is a colorful and flavorful side dish for your holiday dinner.
- Use long grain, basmati, or brown rice for fluffy and fragrant results.
- Add diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for a festive touch.
- Cook the rice with vegetable or chicken broth for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair it with roasted turkey or grilled vegetables for a complete holiday feast.
Christmas Rice: A Colorful and Flavorful Feast
This Christmas rice recipe is a vibrant and delicious addition to any holiday dinner. It is fluffy, flavorful, and packed with holiday flavors. The recipe calls for uncooked rice (such as basmati, long grain, or brown rice), bell peppers (green and red), bouillon powder (vegetable or chicken), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, unsalted butter, mixed spice (optional), vegetable oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
To prepare this festive Christmas rice, start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan and stir in the bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and mixed spice if desired. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the rice. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Now it’s time to add the colorful elements to this flavorful rice side dish. Toss in diced bell peppers (both green and red) and sauté until they are slightly softened but still retain their vibrant colors. The combination of red and green bell peppers adds a festive touch to the dish.
Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed. The result is a colorful and flavorful rice dish that can be served as a side with proteins or vegetables for a complete festive meal.
Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice (such as basmati, long grain, or brown rice)
- Bell peppers (green and red), diced
- Bouillon powder (vegetable or chicken)
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Unsalted butter
- Mixed spice (optional)
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir in bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and mixed spice (optional). Mix well.
- Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add diced bell peppers (green and red) and sauté until slightly softened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve as a colorful and flavorful rice side dish.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 35 minutes | 4-6 |
Harvest Rice: A Nutritious and Delicious Option
Looking for a healthy rice recipe that’s perfect for the fall season? Try this flavorful harvest rice dish that combines the goodness of brown rice, wild rice, and a medley of vegetables and dried fruits. It’s a nutritious and satisfying option that will impress your guests and add a festive touch to your holiday table.
This harvest rice recipe features a mix of brown rice and wild rice, which not only adds a nutty and chewy texture but also enhances the nutritional value of the dish. The combination of these two types of rice creates a beautiful medley of flavors and colors that will make your meal visually appealing and appetizing.
To elevate the flavors further, this recipe incorporates a variety of vegetables and dried fruits. Mushrooms lend an earthy taste, while dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Peas provide a burst of freshness, and slivered almonds contribute a delightful crunch to every bite.
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown rice | 1 cup |
| Wild rice | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (diced) | 1/2 cup |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| White wine | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Dried cranberries | 1/2 cup |
| Peas | 1/2 cup |
| Slivered almonds | 1/4 cup |
| Parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
Follow these simple steps to prepare the harvest rice dish:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they turn soft and golden.
- Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add the brown rice and wild rice to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, peas, and slivered almonds.
- Cover the skillet again and let the rice rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
This harvest rice dish is perfect as a standalone meal or a side dish for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone, including vegetarians and vegans, and will surely be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Greek Rice Pilaf: A Mediterranean Delight
This Greek rice pilaf recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that adds a Mediterranean touch to your holiday table. Made with butter, onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme, garlic, and white wine, this rice pilaf is packed with savory flavors.
To prepare this delightful dish, start by sautéing the onions, mushrooms, and garlic in butter until they become fragrant and golden. Then, add the rice and cook for a few minutes to lightly toast it. Next, deglaze the pan with white wine and let it simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Once the wine has reduced, add chicken broth, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Let the rice simmer on low heat until it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. The result is a fluffy and flavorful pilaf that pairs perfectly with a wide range of holiday dishes.
Whether you’re serving roasted turkey, roasted chicken, or grilled vegetables, this Greek rice pilaf is a versatile and delicious side dish. Its combination of mushrooms and onions adds a delightful earthy taste, while the fresh thyme brings a fragrant aroma to every bite.
Add some Mediterranean flair to your holiday feast with this Greek rice pilaf. The rich flavors and enticing aroma will transport your taste buds to the shores of the Aegean Sea. It’s a perfect addition to your festive menu, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience for your guests.
Lemon Rice: A Zesty and Refreshing Option
This lemon rice recipe is a zesty and refreshing option for the holidays. It features the bright flavors of lemon zest and juice, which add a burst of tanginess to the dish. The combination of citrus and savory flavors creates a delightful balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
To make this lemon-flavored rice, you will need:
- Butter
- Onion
- Mushrooms
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme
- Garlic
- White wine
- Brown and wild rice mix
- Chicken broth
- Craisins (chopped dried cranberries)
- Peas
Start by sautéing the onions, mushrooms, and garlic in butter until they become tender and aromatic. Then, add the rice, white wine, and chicken broth, and let it cook until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the craisins and peas for added sweetness and texture. The craisins provide a burst of fruity flavor that complements the tangy lemon perfectly.
This lemon rice is a vibrant and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins. Whether you’re serving it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or vegetarian options, this citrus-infused rice will add a refreshing twist to your holiday meal.
Taste the Tanginess
The combination of lemon zest and juice gives this rice dish its signature tanginess. The bright and refreshing flavors of lemon make this dish stand out on the holiday table.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Mushrooms | 8 ounces, sliced |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| White wine | 1/4 cup |
| Brown and wild rice mix | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Craisins (chopped dried cranberries) | 1/4 cup |
| Peas | 1/2 cup |
Mexican Rice: A Spicy and Flavorful Favorite
Add a festive touch to your holiday table with this Mexican rice recipe. Known for its vibrant flavors and bold spices, Mexican rice is a popular side dish that perfectly complements your festive meals. Made with a combination of long grain rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and an array of aromatic spices, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
To make Mexican rice, start by sautéing onions and garlic in vegetable oil until they become fragrant. Then, add the rice and cook it until it becomes slightly toasted. Next, stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer until it absorbs the flavors and becomes tender.
Once the rice is cooked, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. The result is a spicy and aromatic rice dish that pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired mains like enchiladas, tacos, or grilled meats. You can also use Mexican rice as a flavorful base for burritos or bowls.
With its mesmerizing aroma and tantalizing flavors, Mexican rice is a standout dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico. The combination of tomatoes, spices, and cilantro creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your guests craving for more.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of spice and excitement to your holiday table, make sure to include this delicious and authentic Mexican rice dish. Your friends and family will be delighted by its vibrant colors, robust flavors, and the fiesta it brings to your festive celebration.
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this mouthwatering Mexican rice recipe. Let the enticing aroma and zesty spices transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine. Whether served as a spicy rice side dish or a base for Mexican-inspired creations, this flavorful favorite is guaranteed to be a hit at your holiday feast.
Coconut Jasmine Rice: A Tropical Twist
Looking to add a touch of the tropics to your holiday feast? Look no further than this delicious coconut jasmine rice recipe. With its hint of sweetness and creaminess, this rice dish is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise. The recipe calls for fragrant jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, crunchy cashews, and fresh herbs for garnish.
To prepare this delightful side dish, simply cook the jasmine rice with a combination of coconut milk and water until it becomes tender and absorbs all the rich coconut flavor. The result is a fluffy, aromatic rice with a decadent coconut undertone that perfectly complements a variety of main dishes.
To add an additional layer of texture and flavor, garnish your coconut jasmine rice with a handful of toasted cashews. The combination of the creamy rice and crunchy cashews creates a delightful contrast that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed holiday party or simply want to bring a touch of paradise to your table, this coconut jasmine rice is the perfect addition. Its tropical flavors and creamy texture make it an ideal side dish for a variety of dishes, from spicy curries to succulent grilled meats. Give your holiday feast a tropical twist with this delectable coconut jasmine rice recipe.