Rice is a staple food in India, especially in the southern regions of the country. From idli for breakfast to biryani for dinner, they are consumed in a variety of ways. But the most special and popular way of consuming it is in the form of steamed rice. It pairs with all kinds of savoury side dishes, including dal, curry, stir-fried vegetables, pickles, chutney, and so on. Steamed rice is common in every household and is mostly served for lunch.
Steamed rice tastes best when it is freshly cooked and served hot, and if there are any leftovers from the last meal, they often go into the trash. However, there are many recipes that can be prepared with leftover rice, like fried rice, lemon rice, rice salad, and pudding. But what if you don’t want to incorporate it into your next meal? The answer is simple: enjoy it as a snack.
Here are six creative snacks you can prepare with leftover rice:
Rice Pakoras
During the monsoon, fritters, or pakora, are the most popular snacks. Though they are mostly prepared with gram flour, you can also use leftover rice for this recipe. Combine the mashed rice with gram flour, onion, ginger, and spices like coriander, asafoetida, and carom seeds, and fry like your usual pakoras. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Rice fritters can be served with mint, tomato, or tamarind chutney.
Rice Cutlet
These are another fried snack you can prepare with leftover rice. All you have to do is combine cooked rice with some boiled potatoes and season with your favourite spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander powder. Cutlets are usually shallow-fried in a pan, but you can also bake them instead of frying them. Serve rice cutlets with coriander, mint, or any of your favourite chutneys.
Rice Pops
The name might be a little fancy, but the recipe is very simple and made with basic ingredients. Rice pops are a perfect option for an appetiser at your house parties. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can also season this snack with spices like black pepper and cumin powder. Rice pops can be enjoyed with tomato ketchup, green chutney, or any of your favourite chutneys.
Rice And Cheese Balls
If you are fond of cheese, then this snack is perfect for you. Made with cooked rice, shredded cheese, and all-purpose flour, this deep-fried delight is flavoured with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and coriander powder. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and peas to enhance its taste. Both kids and adults are going to love this recipe. It is best served with tomato ketchup.
Rice Muthia
Muthia is a popular Gujarati snack that is prepared with besan and methi. But you can also give it an interesting twist by preparing it with leftover rice. Made with flavorful spices like asafoetida and red chilli powder, rice muthia is a perfect teatime snack. You can also improve its taste by adding grated bottle gourd to the mixture. It is best served with a coriander-mint chutney.
Rice Pancakes
If you are looking for a filling and delicious snack to prepare with cooked rice, then try rice pancakes. Made with colourful vegetables, gram flour, curd, and a host of spices, including asafoetida and garam masala, this savoury treat can also be enjoyed for breakfast. Rice pancakes are best served with green chutney.