Whether you’re choosing a more sustainable diet, cutting out meat, or are looking for more vegan meal inspiration, our recipes can help you discover the creative world of plant-based cooking. Make a goal this Earth Day to discover more ways to be sustainable and learn how you can make amazing veggie-centric meals without sacrificing the flavor with RiceSelect®.
Learning how to build a balanced meal without meat is a creative and fun way to challenge yourself in the kitchen. No matter your typical diet, learning to cook vegan and vegetarian meals is a great way to improve your home chef skills and be able to accommodate everyone at your dinner table.
Read ahead to get recipe inspiration for your plant-based culinary adventure.
Plant Based Risotto
If you’re on a mission to cut out dairy as well as meat, don’t worry! There are plenty of plant-based dairy alternatives available in stores and delicious recipes that only require a few simple ingredients to make.
Use vegan butter in our Plant-Based Risotto Recipe, topped with a generous portion of herb- roasted veggies. This warm and cozy dish is a great weeknight pick. This recipe uses nutritional yeast, a type of deactivated yeast that has a cheesy and nutty flavor and is rich in protein and vitamins. Add it to your risotto and many other vegan dishes for that “cheesy” flavor you love without the dairy.
This vibrant and tangy Beet and Goat Cheese Risotto Recipe is bursting with color and dynamic flavors. Made with beautiful red beets, rich goat cheese, and aromatic fresh thyme, this dish is the perfect vegetarian side dish that will impress. The starchy grains of our RiceSelect® Arborio Rice produce a refined silky finish that makes it the perfect choice for all of your favorite risotto recipes.
Tip: If you’re in need of a cream or cheese sauce but want to skip the dairy, cashews do the trick! Simply soak raw cashews in water to soften them, then add to a blender with water, nutritional yeast, and whichever spices and other ingredients you wish - you’ll have a “creamy” sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or serves as a tasty dipping sauce.
Pilaf Recipes
From the Middle East to Central Asia and the Balkans to South Asia, pilaf is a rice dish that is typically made with vegetables, spices, fruits, nuts, and meat. However, it’s not uncommon to see vegetarian versions.
What is a Pilaf?
There are a lot of rice dishes that combine these elements, but what makes a pilaf a pilaf?
Seasonings: Pilaf starts with a flavor-boosting base of onions and garlic, and typically is made with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, coriander, and saffron.
Liquid: Rather than cooking the rice in water, pilaf recipes opt for a broth or stock to build the levels of flavor even more.
Method: The rice in a pilaf should be lightly toasted before adding water to bring out the aromas of the rice, and then simmering all of the ingredients together with the liquid and covering with a lid so that no steam escapes, and everything is cooked evenly.
Try out this zesty and dynamic Forbidden Rice and Greens Pilaf. With a tasty selection of vegetables, a spicy kick and RiceSelect® Premium Black Rice, this Pilaf is a unique dish that will excite your taste buds and switch up your routine.
If you’re looking for something with a more mild flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, prepare this Royal Broccoli Cheese Rice Pilaf for your next dinner party.
Veggie Lovers’ Treats
It’s a common misconception that eating plant-based prevents you from getting enough protein in your diet; in fact, there are plenty of grains, vegetables and vegan meats that will satisfy your needs and give you a balanced diet.
Put together this veggie packed Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Black Rice Bowl for a dynamic and colorful meal complete with a sweet chili kick. The black rice, tofu and array of vegetables, gives this dish tons of flavor and protein. Perfect for a weeknight meal, you can easily make extra to have leftovers for a high-quality lunch the next day.
If you're in need of a vegetarian appetizer, try out these irresistible Veggie Quinoa Cakes. Made with our RiceSelect® White Quinoa, they’ll look great on the plate and taste even better.
Looking for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy? This Vegan Cinnamon Cranberry Rice Pudding is an aromatic warming dessert perfect for the holidays.
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard is a leafy green with an earthy and slightly nutty flavor that not only offers your dish a unique flavor, but also a pop of vibrant color.
When preparing Swiss Chard, be sure to separate the stems and the leaves, as the stems are tougher. Packed with flavor and nutrients, there are plenty of ways to use the colorful stems of chard. Throw them in a stir-fry or bake along with your favorite vegetables for a slightly bitter crunch.
Craft this Quinoa Swiss Chard Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe for a delicious vegetarian recipe that will look stunning on your table. Skip the cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative for a vegan option.
Use all of those swiss chard leaves in this Couscous and Swiss Chard Tabbouleh Recipe. Zesty, light and refreshing, this dish is the perfect colorful side dish to bring to the dinner party.
Vegetarian Couscous
A type of pasta made with wheat flour and semolina, couscous has become a staple in the kitchens of many home chefs. The small round balls absorb tons of flavor while cooking and pair well with the profiles of many different cuisines. You can find it used in many African and Mediterranean inspired dishes, paired with meats, or in simple side dishes.
This Grilled Vegetable Couscous Recipe is perfect to have on the side or as a main. Use summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or substitute for your favorites depending on the season!
Discover more plant-based couscous meals that will inspire all inner chefs:
Creative Meatless Twists on Classics
Eating a plant-based diet does not have to mean missing out on your favorite flavors. There are plenty of ways to eliminate meat and still build unforgettable dishes. Learning how to eat vegetarian or vegan allows you to be extra creative in the kitchen, which can be a fun challenge and help you discover new ingredients.
Try out some of these irresistible recipe ideas:
Rice Bowls
Get your rice bowls just right with RiceSelect®! For a vibrant dish that’s rich in flavor, try this Miso Black Rice Bowl Recipe. On a bed of black rice, this vegetarian bowl - which can be made completely vegan simply by taking out the egg - is made up of avocado, sweet potato, mushrooms, and kale. The final touch is miso dressing - a delicious traditional Japanese dressing that you can make at home, a sure way to impress your guests!
Why not great creative and toss your favorite recipes into a bowl Put together this Brown Rice and Black Bean Burrito Recipe for a Tex Mex meal that will satisfy you for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Sushi Rolls
Get creative and craft some Vegetarian Sushi Rolls, full of colorful and fresh veggies. Making your own sushi is a great way to have fun in the kitchen while expanding your culinary skills. Though it might seem like a daunting task, with RiceSelect® Sushi Rice, you can have the perfect consistency to create your rolls your way so you can master the art of maki! Read this Guide to Becoming a Sushi Connoisseur to level up your chef skills and create a memorable experience for your guests.
Recycling Tip: And when you’re out of any of our products, be sure to reuse and recycle the plastic jar! You can use them to organize other loose ingredients in your pantry like flour, coffee, granola and more.
Now that you have some recipe inspiration, this Earth Day, you can start exploring the creative world of plant-based cuisine. With RiceSelect®’s range of products, there is no limit to the array of delicious and complex dishes you can make that everyone at your dinner table can enjoy.