While hot, aromatic rice right off the burner is very tasty, leftover rice that has had time to cool down has its own special qualities. When reheated, cooked rice hardens up in a way that aids in maintaining its shape. Its texture prevents the rice from becoming too soft, which would happen if you were to use freshly cooked rice instead. Instead, it gives a pleasant al-dente bite.
You're not only wasting food, but you're also preventing yourself from savouring some delicious recipes that call for that overcooked rice. You can use stale rice in a lot of different recipes. Here are a few simple ones to attempt!
8 Leftover Rice Dishes To Taste During Midnight Hunger Pangs
1. Singapore Fried Rice
Singapore fried rice is a type of fusion rice that originates from Indo Chinese cuisine. This dish for vegetable fried rice is unrelated to Singapore. This type of spicy rice dish can be found on the menus of numerous Indo Chinese eateries and even Indian street food vendors. Try this to make your night craving vanish instantly.
2. Masala Rice
Especially if you have leftover rice, this masala rice recipe is quick and simple to prepare. It's a hearty brunch, lunch, or dinner option. They can be eaten on their own or with raita, a dish of curd, or a side salad. This spicy rice pairs very well with boondi raita or cucumber raita.
Read More: 7 Milk Recipes To Soothe Midnight Cravings
3. Rice Salad
This is yet another simple yet creative way to finish off your rice and add some vegetables to your dinner. To make this low-calorie, high-nutrient dinner, toss leftover rice with your choice salad dressing (vinaigrette or other), some fresh herbs or spices, and your favourite chopped vegetables. Try this to amuse your taste buds.
4. Chinese Fried Rice
You may prepare Chinese Fried Rice at home if you have any leftover rice. Chinese fried rice is ready to eat when you toss in some ginger, garlic, onions, beans, carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, soy sauce, green chilli sauce and oil in a frying pan. You can also add a choice of protein in it.
5. Rice Balls
Use the leftover rice to quickly make rice balls if you're hosting a party at home. You can make this crispy, crunchy, and incredibly tasty snack in less than 30 minutes. These flavour-filled balls are ideal for your upcoming impromptu celebration. It can also be frozen beforehand to make a perfect midnight snack.
6. Mexican-Style Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
For a quick and simple supper, fill bell peppers with leftover rice that has been spiced up. Children adored it! Add corn or other veggies, or try different kinds of chopped tomatoes, for variation. If you prefer a soft bell pepper, boil the pepper before baking it. The flavour in the dishes comes together really well.
7. Tawa Pulao
A well-known street meal from Mumbai that consists of sautéed rice and veggies together with various spices and herbs, such as pav bhaji masala. The street vendors utilise a large tawa to prepare dishes like masala pav, tawa pulao, and pav bhaji. This meal can be prepared in a frying pan or even a kadai (wok) by home cooks.
8. Vangi
Delicious and easy brinjal rice recipe from Karnataka cuisine. Two of the essential ingredients in the Karnataka style vangi bath recipe are tamarind pulp and vangi bath masala powder. On the other hand, Goda masala, curd, or tomatoes were used in the Vangi bath dish. Try it for your late night dinner for a perfect taste.
Particularly rice leftovers are frequently thrown in the trash. Considering that more than a third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, going above and beyond to reuse your leftover rice not only helps the environment but also simplifies the process of preparing a fresh dinner because half the work is already done once the rice is cooked and ready to eat.
Try these useful ways to repurpose your leftover rice to save money, save time, and benefit the environment.