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

As the holiday season approaches, many home cooks and foodies are drawn to warm and festive foods to share the joy with loved ones and family. Rice is an ingredient that can be used in many cuisines around the globe. It provides endless possibilities to cook unforgettable and delicious holiday meals. From vibrant Christmas rice to savory pilaf and indulgent casseroles, let's explore a variety of holiday rice recipes which will bring warmth and flavor to your festive dinner table. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Christmas Rice: A festive celebration

Christmas rice is a festive and vibrant dish that brings holiday cheer to any meal. This recipe combines the fluffy rice with vibrant peppers to create a delicious and visually appealing side dish.

Start by cooking the rice as per the instructions on the package. While the rice is cooking prepare the diced green, red, and yellow bell peppers in olive oil along with onions and garlic. Add bouillon, Italian seasoning and mixed spices to the dish to give it a warm taste. Once the rice has been cooked, mix it with the vegetables and seasonings.

For an extra festive touch, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to the rice mix. These sweet snacks are not just a part of the dish's festive appearance but can also add a burst of flavor that complement the savory elements.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

While cilantro lime rice is not normally associated with holiday celebrations, it offers a zesty and refreshing option to heavy festive food. This dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes and provides an energetic, citrusy flavor to the menu for your holiday meal.

To prepare cilantro lime rice, cook long-grain rice in water or vegetable stock. Once cooked, fluff the rice before adding finely chopped fresh lime zest, cilantro and lime juice. The result is a light delicious, aromatic rice dish that will help balance the richer foods of the holiday and add a refreshing taste to your meal.

Mama's Holiday Rice: A Comforting Casserole

Momma’s Holiday Rice will satisfy those who want the comfort of a rich, warm rice dish. This casserole recipe mixes rice with a flavorful blend of beef consomme French onion soup and mushrooms. It's an incredibly satisfying and hearty food item.

This delectable dish is made by melting butter in a casserole and adding canned soups, rice that has not been cooked, and water. Add chopped almonds and mushrooms to the mixture, and bake until liquid has been absorbed. This delicious and creamy dish is certain to become an all-time favorite during the holidays.

Wild Rice Pilaf - A Nuts and Festive Side

Wild rice pilaf provides an amazing blend of flavors and textures that is ideal for holiday dinners. This dish typically combines wild rice with dried fruits, nuts and aromatic herbs, creating an incredibly delicious and flavorful dinner dish.

To make a fun wild rice pilaf, boil a mixture of wild and white rice in chicken or vegetable broth. While the rice cooks, saute carrots, onions, and apples in butter. After the rice has been cooked, mix it with the vegetables you've sautéed. Include dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Additionally fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley. This rice dish is both delicious and visually appealing.

For a variation, consider making use of dried cherries instead cranberries and adding some sauteed mushrooms to give it an earthy flavor. This versatile recipe is easily modified to suit your taste preferences and complement your main course.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: A classic for crowd-pleasing

A holiday meal is not complete without a cheesy, comforting casserole. This classic dish blends broccoli, rice and a rich sauce made of cheese. It is loved by both children and adults.

To prepare this crowd-pleaser, cook rice and broccoli separately. In a large pan make a cheese sauce using butter, onions and cream of chicken soup as well as processed cheese. Transfer the broccoli and rice to a casserole dish, then combine the sauce with the cooked rice. Include more cheese and a crushed potato chips for more crunch. Bake until golden brown and bubbling.

This recipe isn't just tasty, but it's also good for incorporating vegetables in your holiday meal. It's also suitable for children. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a great choice for any holiday feast.

Louisiana Dirty Rice: A Spicy Southern Tradition

If you prefer a heartier, more savory rice dish, Louisiana Dirty Rice is a great choice. This Southern traditional recipe mixes ground meat, vegetables and spices to make an incredibly delicious and satisfying dinner dish.

For making Dirty Rice, start by cooking a mixture of ground pork and beef in a large pan. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and celery - known as the "Holy Trinity" in Louisiana cooking. Add a mixture of spices and herbs like cayenne, oregano, and thyme to the mixture for heat. Mix flour and the chicken broth to create the roux. In the end, mix in cooked rice and fresh parsley.

It's a deliciously flavorful rice dish that has the slight "dirty" appearance due to the spices and meat that have been browned - hence the name. The versatile Dirty Rice can be served as a dish served with a side of meat to complement many main dishes or stand alone.

Brazilian Christmas Rice: A taste of Tropical Festivities

Consider Brazilian Christmas Rice for a fresh take on holiday rice. This festive dish combines champagne, raisins and cashews to create a sweet salty blend. It's a favorite in Brazil during the holiday season.

Start by taking the raisins out of champagne and soaking them in. Add the rice, onions, and garlic to olive oil and toast lightly. Rice is cooked using champagne and water from raisins that have been soaked in wine. Once cooked, stir in the plumped raisins and chopped cashews.

This dish provides a delicious combination of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the raisins, balancing the richness of the cashews and the subtle bubbly from the champagne. This is a wonderful option to add a bit of Brazilian Christmas traditions to your Christmas menu and give it an exotic flavor.

Tips to Make Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes

Here are some tips for an excellent dish, regardless of the rice recipe you choose:

1. Rinse your rice Always rinse the rice before cooking in order to remove any excess starch. This will make for more fluffy rice.

2. Use the correct ratio to cook rice properly.

3. Let it rest: After cooking, allow your rice rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing and serving to ensure even distribution of moisture.

4. Experiment with grains Don't be scared to mix different varieties of grains or rice for various textures and flavors.

5. Season rice Rice is a great food that absorbs flavors well, so don't shy away from seasonings.

6. Do it ahead Rice dishes can be partially or completely prepared ahead of time making it easier for the day of your meal for the holidays.

Conclusion

Holiday rice recipes can be a fantastic way to create festive, delicious dishes that will be a perfect match for any holiday meal. There's a rice recipe to suit any flavor, whether you like an appealing Christmas meal, a comforting rice casserole, or a spicy Southern traditional.

The rice dishes will add new textures and tastes to your holiday menu while respecting the traditional culinary practices of all over the globe. From the bright Christmas rice, to the decadent momma's Holiday Rice and the exotic Brazilian Christmas Rice These recipes are sure to add warmth, comfort and delicious tastes to your holiday table.

Why not create a dish that becomes a family tradition this time of year? With these tips and recipes to follow, you'll be able to craft the perfect holiday rice dish that will delight your family and friends and make your holiday meals even more memorable.