Rice Beyond the Bowl: Creative Gluten-Free Ways to Use Rice

Rice is probably the most versatile ingredient. Its simplicity and ability to transform into literally any dish makes it a favorite across the globe. For people on a gluten-free diet, rice is a perfect choice.

For starters, many people consider rice as a side dish or a convenient extra. However, the grain can take center stage in flavorful meals and it is a perfect choice for desserts as well.

Rice as a Main Course

Rice bowls are one way to turn the grain into a main dish. They can be simple or complex and complemented with any ingredient you have handy.

However, for a rice bowl to truly stand out, you need to consider which rice variety to use. Typical choices include jasmine, basmati, brown, and even black rice. Each of these has its unique taste and characteristics, so pick the variety that pairs best with the topping.

As for the latter, some ideas include sautéed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, or anything else you have in the refrigerator). Proteins may include mushrooms, tofu, chicken, or even beef. The true secret to a delightful rice bowl are nuts and seeds. These can transform any dish into a wondrous meal if you find the right combination. Try experimenting a bit, starting with the nuts and seeds your taste buds rejoice in.

Finally, drizzle the rice bowl with the homemade sauce of your choice. Think in terms of peanut sauce, sriracha mayo, or soy-based dressing.

Another great way to make rice the main dish is to stuff it into baked vegetables. Bell peppers and tomatoes pair especially well with rice mixed with vegetables and protein. Baking the stuffed vegetables allows the rice to soak up the juices — a feature no other ingredient does so well.

Rice in Soups and Stews

Soups and stews can accompany rice perfectly, thanks to its ability to soak up the juices so nicely. Gluten-free rice recipes can truly get to shine when rice is used in this way.

One classic choice for many is chicken and rice soup. The combination of chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rice makes for a hearty meal that leaves no one unimpressed. Here’s a tip to add some variety to this classic dish: experiment with different rice varieties. E.g., wild rice (which is technically not rice, but nevertheless) has a distinct earthy flavor whereas brown rice offers an extra layer of nuttiness.

Adding herbs and spices can add additionl layers; thyme and parsley are a typical choice, but why not experiment with other ideas, too?

Similarly, rice is also a perfect ingredient for stews. In fact, it is a perfect base that adds substance and eliminates the need to add gluten-heavy ingredients.

Finally, try making your favorite chili with rice.  Mexican-inspired chili could be a perfect choice, thanks to the specific ingredients the cuisine uses (all of which pair perfectly with rice).

Gluten-Free Desserts

When it comes to desserts, rice is typically being overlooked in favor of almond- or coconut flour. However, both rice flour and rice itself are a perfect gluten-free choice. Perhaps the best-known dessert of this sort is rice pudding but there are many other options to explore, too.

There are many recipes for rice flour-based cakes, muffins, and cookies. Glutinous rice flour is a well-known ingredient in Asian cuisines, especially in China and Japan.

Probably the most famous one is Japanese mochi, which is, basically, a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice flour (known in Japan as mochi-ko). It can be eaten plain or filled with sweet fillings, the most traditional of which is red bean paste (anko). Daifuku is a type of mochi that’s softer in texture and filled with sweet fillings (anko, fruit, or even chocolate).

As for Chinese cuisine, zongzi is the best-known variety of sticky rice dumplings and is typically made with savory fillings. Nevertheless, some versions are made with sweet fillings (such as red bean paste or Chinese dates) and rice flour dough. Zongzi, however, takes two days to prepare thanks to them being wrapped and cooked in dried reed leaves that need to be soaked overnight. Also, cooking takes at least 7 to 8 hours, so it’s not an everyday dish.

Lastly, try incorporating rice-based pizza crusts instead of wheat crusts into your savory baked goods. These are, in fact, a perfect gluten-free alternative!

Rice as a Substitute for Pasta

Gluten-free diets can be difficult for people who love pasta. Rice noodles — which are particularly popular in many Asian cuisines, can be a perfect alternative. They can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries and soups in addition to noodle bowls.

Last but not least, try using rice as the base for a gluten-free lasagna. Simply use layers of cooked rice instead of pasta sheets but keep in mind that rice soaks up ingredients so experiment a bit.

Read business articles related to Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Education, and Industry at SugerMint.