The holiday season is upon us and that brings with its own challenges when it comes to cooking. We all know what’s on the menu for the major festive meals, but figuring out what to cook the rest of the time can be tricky. That’s why RiceSelect® is here to showcase some truly spectacular recipes you can whip up with just 10 ingredients. From creative salad options to comforting chicken dishes, we’ve got you covered this holiday season!
Essential Kitchen Staples for Creative Home Chefs
Keeping well-stocked up on the staples is key to transforming simple dishes into flavorful creations. A handful of quality spices and condiments, not to mention an ample supply of grains can make all the difference.
Seasoning
Salt and Pepper: The most basic yet essential seasonings that enhance flavor.
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley add aromatic notes.
Citrus Juices: Lemon or lime juice brightens up flavors and adds acidity.
Oils: Olive oil, sesame oil, or avocado oil contribute richness and depth.
Vinegars: Balsamic, apple cider, or red wine vinegar offer tanginess and sour flavor.
Spices: Ground spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric can infuse dishes with warmth and character.
Grains
Rice: Few ingredients are a match for rice when it comes to versatility. Available in a range of varieties, each bringing their own fragrance and textural nuances, rice makes for the perfect base for a whole host of dishes from all over the world.
Quinoa: This protein-rich grain is all the rage and for good reason. Fluffy and light, but also hearty and satisfying, quinoa can be used to make everything from breakfast bowls, to salad recipes, to savory bakes.
Couscous: Although technically a variety of pasta, couscous works within recipes in much the same way as popular grains like rice and quinoa.
Creative Substitutions for Missing Ingredients
Protein: No meat? No problem! There are a whole host of vegan and vegetarian alternatives, from tofu, tempeh, and seitan, to pulses, legumes, and beans.
Rice: Craving your favorite rice dish but can’t make it to the store? Having substitutes such as quinoa, couscous, and orzo to hand will open up a wide variety of culinary possibilities.
Dairy: Whether you’re catering to diners with lactose-intolerance, or just find yourself out of a particular dairy product included in your recipe, there’s no need to fret. Coconut milk or coconut cream work a treat in dessert recipes that call for milk. Similarly, vegetable-based milk varieties such as oat, almond, or soy also work well as substitutes for dairy.
Now that we’ve got to grips with some key staples and their viable substitutes, let’s dive into some recipes.
Irresistible Rice Side Dish
To kick things off, here’s a simple yet delightful side dish that could come in handy over the festive period. Our Asiago Roasted Garlic Rice is a quick and easy recipe you can rustle up in just 40 minutes. But what makes this dish stand out? Its creative blend of ingredients—garlic, butter, asiago cheese, olive oil, and fragrant RiceSelect® Texmati® Rice—helps to elevate this side dish into something spectacular.
Creamy and Comforting Rice Soup
Let’s face it; we’ve all been there. Mealtime is approaching but you’re still not sure what to cook. That’s why having plenty of enticing soup recipes in your repertoire is important. If you’re a fan of creamy soup dishes rich in umami flavors, try this Creamy Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Rice Soup. Featuring just 8 simple ingredients, it’s a hearty and satisfying soup recipe you can make with everyday kitchen staples like mushrooms, garlic, bacon, and cream cheese.
Easy Chicken Recipe
In winter, the cold weather calls for comforting chicken meals, and that’s where this Ginger Chicken with Broccoli comes in. At first glance, it may seem like a simple chicken and veg dish, but on closer examination, you’ll find it’s so much more. Made with an intriguing blend of ingredients—arrowroot powder, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil—don’t be surprised if this dish gets everyone around your dining table talking.
Perfect Brown Rice Pilaf
Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted pilaf recipe! Pilafs are easy and versatile rice recipes with plenty of scope for creativity. This Brown Rice and Shiitake Pilaf is easy to make and flavorful to boot. Combining select ingredients such as asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, pine nuts, and a blend of everyday spices, it makes for a satisfying meal for all occasions. Curious to know more about pilaf recipes? Check out our Guide to Home Chef’s Holiday Rice Pilafs for more inspiration.
Exploring the Versatility of Couscous
Couscous is a highly adaptable ingredient that can shine in a variety of dishes. Its light and fluffy texture makes it an excellent base for flavorful meals and unique salad creations, as this Couscous Shrimp Salad amply demonstrates. A simple dish with herbaceous tasting notes, it works equally well as a side dish or light lunch option.
Alternatively, for a hearty couscous recipe, how about trying this Couscous Curried Chicken? Made with 10 readily-available ingredients, you’ll love the glorious combo of chicken and irresistibly crumbly RiceSelect® Couscous. Seasoned with curry powder, cumin, and chopped parsley, it’s a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Hub for Home Chefs
The true test of any home chef is not just what they can do when they have an ample supply of ingredients to work with, but rather how they can improvise with what they have at hand. These 10 ingredient recipes will make your holiday season cooking both colorful and creative, allowing you to add a new dimension to your culinary skills. For more top tips and recipe ideas, be sure to drop by our blog.