Share
Look beyond biryani for your next dinner party and consider some other rice dishes from exotic cuisines that could be the superstar of your party. If you’re planning an Asian menu, maybe go for Nasi Goreng or an instant-pot pilaf; if you’re looking for Middle-Eastern delicacies, try a Tahdig or a Yakhni Pulao!
The trick to perfect the right rice party dish is picking something that works as part of the mains and also a side! A Nasi Goreng, for instance, makes for a terrific side to some Asian chicken or steamed fish and it can work as part of a platter. Similarly, a simple dry fruit pulao can easily be paired with a spicy kurma or work as a main. So, if you're looking to do something different for your next dinner party, here are some party rice dishes you should try:
Nasi Goreng
If you're sick of Asian fried rice, go for the Balinese delicacy, Nasi Goreng. It doesn't just have more potent flavours but is also more protein-rich. It's a cooked rice that's made in sweet soy sauce along with vegetables, meat and eggs. The caramelised taste of the sauce highlights the natural smokiness of its recipe. The dish usually uses coriander, cumin, ginger and pepper, although there are some Nasi Goreng spice mixes readily available in the market
Jambalaya
This Cajun dish is a great option for a party if you're looking for a one-pot dish. Jambalaya can be made in many ways. it's mainly savoury in taste and the seafood amplifies the saltiness to some degree. It also features pork, chicken and assorted meats along with shrimp, crab, and squid and is cooked in a stock. Jambalaya is quite spicy so it's best to pair it with a coconut-ty side.
Tahdig
This crispy Persian rice is not just delicious but also really filling. The pan-fried recipe is fluffy on the inside and has a golden crust on its exterior. It's layered like a biryani but more complex in its taste since it features different spices. It usually gets cooked in a completely covered pan, where the steam cooks the rice while the outer portion crisps; it is then turned upside down on the plate so it can be served like a cake
Risotto
If you think this popular Italian speciality is too tricky to perfect at home, you're wrong. If you prep right, the risotto takes less than 30 minutes to cook and just needs the right ingredients. Make sure you choose the right white wine to cook it and don't include too much protein
Kabsa
Love biryani but wish it was lighter? Try Kabsa! This Middle-Eastern dish is similar to biryani but is mildly sweeter and much more digestible. In a Kabsa, long-grain rice is cooked separately from the meat and then mixed together before serving. Unlike a biryani, this rice dish does not feature yoghurt which makes it lighter.
Yakhni Pulao
This Kashmiri rice dish features a unique spice blend that gives it a rich flavour. Yakhni refers to stock and this rice dish is traditionally cooked in rice. It’s not just healthier than a biryani but also takes less time to prepare and can be made without any meat. If you’re making a veggie yakhni pulao try using seasonal veggies and adjust the spices accordingly,
Tehri/Tahri
This delicious flavoured rice is usually spicier than pulao and has some deep flavours. It's cooked in the dum technique, like a biryani but it is definitely more digestible than a biryani. It's usually paired with a buttery gravy or a savoury meat number.
Spanish Seafood Paella
This popular Spanish rice dish will never let you down. Make sure you have some fresh greens, shrimp, crabs, mussels, dried tomato and peas. The seafood rice also works really well with Mexican seasonings like chipotle dressing, red peppers, cilantro, lime etc.
