Share
Every meal in India is incomplete without the addition of rice. No matter how many extravagant curries, stir-fries and soups you create, what brings them together is the simplicity of cooked rice that serves as a vessel to hold the flavours together. Even the picky eaters who want to skip eating roti once in a while cannot stay away from the satisfaction of rice.
Rice is an important part of every meal in India. On festive occasions like Diwali and Holi, Indian moms often like to create several delightful rice dishes that add a festive touch to the platter. From Biryani to Pulav, there are several amazing variants of rice dishes that become the centrepiece of the entire platter.
If you are throwing a Holi party and confused about what to make for Holi lunch, these rice recipes will be a good option for you. Either as a one-pot meal or a main course dish, these rice recipes pair well with all sorts of curries and veggies on the menu.
7 Rice Dishes To Include In Holi Lunch
1) Vegetable Pulao
Image Credit: Freepik
Vegetable pulao is the ultimate companion for all the spicy gravies on the menu. The dish combines the goodness of multiple veggies and has a neutral and delicious flavour that goes well with the spicy and aromatic curries. All you need to do is stir fry chopped veggies like cauliflower, carrots, peas, capsicum and potatoes, then add uncooked rice with water and pressure cook it till it becomes well cooked.
2) Chicken Biryani
Image Credit: Freepik
Chicken biryani single-handedly can be a star highlight of your table. The deliciously cooked tender chicken and aromatic basmati rice form a satisfying treat with unmatched flavours. Add some saffron-infused milk to give it a delightful aroma and taste. Also, mix in some rose water to enhance the overall appeal.
3) Tomato Rice
Image Credit: Freepik
This recipe is a simple and flavourful one that only combines tomato and rice. Start by stir-frying chopped tomatoes in some oil along with whole spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then add some salt and uncooked basmati rice to it. After that pressure, cook rice and serve it hot.
4) Paneer Pulao
Image Credit: Freepik
The indulgence of soft paneer pieces takes this recipe to a whole new level. For this, marinated paneer pieces are fried till the edges turn crispy. Then these pieces are mixed with the simple vegetable pulao and combined well. This recipe is also neutral in taste and can pair well with curries and soups for the Holi lunch meal.
5) Vegetable Fried Rice
Image Credit: Freepik
Vegetable fried rice is a simple version of vegetable pulao that you make in a pan instead of a pressure cooker. Combine the veggies and saute them till they become fragrant, then add cooked rice to them and mix well. Optionally, you can add other ingredients like spices and paneer or soya chunks too to give it more volume and flavour.
6) Lemon Rice
Image Credit: Freepik
With the zing of lemon, this rice recipe adds an interesting twist to the main course. Lemon rice is a South Indian delicacy which is usually made with short-grain rice instead of basmati rice, but you can replace it by adding an aromatic touch. All the flavour volume comes from the tempering mix made with hot oil, curry leaves, chilli peppers and mustard seeds. Peanuts add a nutty bite to the recipe.
7) Vangi Bath
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Vangi Bath is a South Indian rice dish whose name translates to Brinjal (vangi) and Rice (bath). Just like the name, brinjal is the main ingredient for this recipe which is stir-fried along with chopped onions, peas, and slitted chillies along with bay leaves, cumin and cardamom. The special ingredient of this dish is the Vangi Bath powder which is made with dry roasting coriander seeds, Bengal gram, skinned black gram, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cloves, cinnamon and coconut shreds.
These rice-based dishes will totally be a banger for your Holi lunch meals. If you are preparing something light or spicy, all of these variations are a perfect fit to combine the dishes together.
