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Lunch is a special time to enjoy food that not only fills our stomachs but also brings joy and comfort. For many, cooking can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to impress family or friends. However, making tasty meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple rice recipes can transform ordinary ingredients into delightful dishes that everyone will love.
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Whether you have leftover rice or fresh ingredients, there are countless ways to create delicious meals. This article will guide both beginner and experienced chefs through some simple rice recipes that are perfect for lunch, making your meal preparation easy and enjoyable.
Rice Vada
Rice vada is a crispy, deep-fried snack made from leftover rice, making it a great way to minimise food waste while enjoying a delicious meal. To make rice vada, mash cooked rice and mix it with gram flour (besan), finely chopped onions, green chillies, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Shape the mixture into small patties and deep-fry until golden brown. Serve the vadas with chutney or ketchup for a crunchy, satisfying lunch or even a mid-day snack.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg-fried rice is a quick and filling dish that combines scrambled eggs with stir-fried rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. Start by scrambling eggs and setting them aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and your choice of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Add cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry with a little soy sauce and black pepper. Once the rice is heated through, mix in the scrambled eggs. This dish can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy day.
Image Credits: Adobe Stock
Kheer
Kheer is a sweet, creamy rice pudding that's perfect for those who enjoy a light, sweet treat after lunch. To make kheer, simmer the rice in milk until it becomes soft and creamy. Sweeten it with sugar and flavour with cardamom, saffron, and a few strands of saffron for added richness. You can also garnish it with nuts like almonds or cashews for extra texture. Though it's often served as a dessert, a small bowl of kheer can be a delicious addition to any lunch menu.
Curd Rice
Curd rice is a refreshing and cooling dish that's especially popular in South India. This simple dish is made by mixing cooked rice with yoghurt, salt, tempered mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. You can also add a handful of pomegranate seeds or cucumber for extra crunch. The tanginess of the yoghurt combined with the spices makes curd rice an excellent accompaniment to spicy curries, or it can be enjoyed on its own for a light, cooling lunch.
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Dal Khichdi
Dal khichdi is a one-pot meal made by cooking rice and lentils together with spices and vegetables. It's easy to prepare, highly nutritious, and very comforting. To make dal khichdi, cook rice and yellow moong dal in a pressure cooker with turmeric, salt, and a pinch of cumin. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes for extra nutrition. Once cooked, top with a generous spoonful of ghee and serve with papad or pickles for a wholesome, filling lunch.
Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi bele bath is a traditional rice dish from Karnataka, combining rice, lentils, and vegetables with a special spice blend. To make it, cook rice and toor dal together. Separately, sauté vegetables like carrots, beans, and potatoes. Prepare a spice mix with ingredients like coriander seeds, dried red chillies, and cinnamon, then mix everything together. Add tamarind paste for tanginess, and serve the dish hot, garnished with fried cashews. Bisi bele bath is a flavourful and comforting meal, ideal for lunch.
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Tamarind Rice
Tamarind rice is a tangy and spicy dish made with cooked rice flavoured with tamarind paste and a variety of spices. To make it, fry mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chillies, and peanuts in oil. Add tamarind paste, turmeric, and salt to the mixture, and simmer until the tamarind thickens. Mix the cooked rice into this tangy tamarind mixture and cook for a few minutes until the flavours blend well. Tamarind rice is a popular lunch option in South India, often enjoyed with papad or raita.
