There is something comforting about a bowl of warm rice, and Indians know it really well. Whether it is a bowl of simple dal-chawal or rajma chala, a light khichdi topped with some dahi, a pulao jewelled with vegetables and dry fruits, or a lavish biryani loaded with spices, meat and caramelised onions—we Indians simply love our rice dishes, especially when they can be eaten out of a bowl like a comfort meal should. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, nothing beats the comfort, warmth and love a rice bowl provides.
But did you know that India isn’t the only nation in the world that loves its rice bowls? Throughout the centuries, varieties of rice have been grown and eaten across the world, and each of these regions have created their own signature rice bowls. Whether made with long grain rice or short, sticky rice, prepared with spices or with sauces, with meat or without it, rice bowls from all over the world always reflect the best that a cuisine has to offer—after all, it is comfort food everywhere!
So, if you are looking beyond your regular dal-chawal, khichdi and pulao for comfy and delicious rice bowls to enjoy for dinner, look no further. Here are some incredibly delicious and traditional rice bowls from around the world that you simply must indulge in.
Video Credit: YouTube/Food Wishes
Jollof Rice
Did you know that this rice-based dish is so popular in West Africa that even today, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal claim it originated in their land? Jollof rice is basically a one-pot dish made with rice, a spicy tomato gravy infused with thyme, curry and bay leaves, and an addition of meat, vegetables and seafood based on preferences, seasons and availability. Despite the debates regarding this dish’ origins, jollof rice has become an integral part of West African heritage and exudes warmth in every bite.
Koshary
What Khichdi means to Indians, Koshary means to Egyptians—that rice bowl of ultimate comfort that is infused with the flavours of locally grown lentils. Originating in the 19th century, Koshary is prepared with a combination of rice, lentils, legumes like chickpeas and a rich, spicy tomato-based gravy. Garnished with fried onions and garlic, Koshary is a beautiful interplay of flavours and textures that any rice bowl lover will enjoy.
Bibimbap
In Korean, bibimbap literally means mixed rice, which may sound random but a closer look will reveal a world of flavours. Originating in the reign of the Joseon dynasty, Bibimpap is basically a bowl of steamed rice topped with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, thinly sliced meats, a spicy gochujang paste or sauce and a fried egg. Each of these elements not only make Bibimbap a complete dish in a bowl, but also reflects how different Korean flavours combine to create a symphony.
Paella
Every Indian who watches Hindi movies now knows about this iconic dish thanks to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Known as Spain’s national dish, Paella was born in the region of Valencia in the 18th century. It basically consists of saffron-infused rice cooked with onions, tomatoes, seafood and fish. The signature part of a good Paella is the crust that forms at the bottom of the dish which has perfect caramelisation. Nowadays, people also add ingredients like chicken and chorizo sausages to this dish, but these are often debated.
Jambalaya
Born thanks to Creole and Cajun influences in Louisiana, USA, Jambalaya is a delicious jumble of multiple food cultures and traditions. It is believed that Jambalaya has elements of West African Jollof Rice, Spanish Paella and a French peasant-style dish called Jambalaia. With rice, sausages, chicken, vegetables and seafood as its main components, Jambalaya is known to be quite spicy thanks to the addition of cayenne pepper. This one is truly going to appeal to the Indian palate.
Hashweh
If you love your Biryani and Pulao, then you will love the Middle Eastern Hashweh for sure. This rice dish originated in the Levant and is particularly popular in Lebanon and Syria. In Arabic, Hashweh means stuffing and it refers to the fact that this long grain rice dish is leaded with ground lamb meat, pine nuts and spices like cinnamon and allspice. Yes, Hashweh earns its name and is quite the indulgent treat for rice lovers.
Video Credit: YouTube/Preppy Kitchen
Risotto
Yes, this Italian dish qualifies as a rice bowl given the fact that it features warm, comforting rice cooked with a plethora of flavourful ingredients. Originating in Northern Italian regions like Lombardi and Veneto, risotto is made with short-grained arborio rice and has a rich and creamy texture because it is cooked over time with a flavoured meat broth, ingredients like mushroom and saffron and topped with cheese and herbs. Starchy and heavy, and yet so delicious, this one is a must-have.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Is it Chinese, or Indo-Chinese, or Chinese-American? The thing about Shrimp Fried Rice is that it appeals to a huge crowd across the globe. Made usually with day-old or leftover rice cooked with vegetables, soy paste or fermented shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chillies and scrambled eggs, shrimp is just one of the many additions you can make to Fried Rice. The dish is said to have been created in the mid-20th century and is known as a great way to handle leftover rice around the world.
Morisqueta
If you aren’t familiar with this Mexican rice dish, then you are really missing out. Originating in the region of Morelos, Morisqueta is a blend of local and Spanish flavours, thus appealing to a large population. Made with fluffy white rice combined with beans, tomato salsa, meat and cheese, Morisqueta is a humble dish with Moorish flavours that you absolutely must try.