Golden Grains of Rice

Europe

Denmark

Risengrod is a delectable and sweet rice pudding. It is an ancient dessert usually served at Christmas. The dish is made with short-grained rice cooked with milk and water and flavored with salt and vanilla essence. The rice is stirred until it becomes a thick and creamy pudding. It is served with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top and a dollop of butter.

Italy

Risotto ai funghi porcini is a traditional Italian dish. It is prepared with fresh or dried porcini mushrooms, carnaroli or Arborio rice, olive oil, butter, shallots, white wine, meat stock, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, salt, and pepper. The onion is sauteed in butter and olive oil, then mushrooms, rice, and white wine. During the cooking process stock is added and at the end of cooking a dab of butter is added to the pan. Then grated cheese is mixed into the risotto.

Risotto ai frutti di mare is a classic Italian rice dish. It includes clams, shrimp, lobster meat, squid, and mussels. Other ingredients are short-grain rice, butter, garlic, onions, white wine, parsley, and fish or vegetable stock. Occasionally it is enriched with saffron or tomato-based sauces.

Spain

Arroz marinero is a traditional specialty. The dish is a combination of sauteed vegetables like onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic as well as various seafood with rice simmered in stock or water with additional flavorings.

Arroz con pollo is a dish with Moorish influences. The dish is made with chicken, rice, stock, beer, sofrito, and spices like saffron, cumin, and coriander.

Portugal

Arroz de polvo is a dish that is a combination of cooked diced octopus and rice. It is cooked in a rich base of tomatoes, sauteed onions, garlic, and spices. When done it looks like a thick rice stew.

Asia

Japan

Butadon is a dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with sliced fatty pork that has been cooked in a slightly sweet soy sauce. The usual toppings include green peas and onions. The name “butadon” is derived from two words with bura – pork and don – bowl.

Indonesia

East Java

Nasi pecel is a dish that consists of rice with different vegetables and a sweet peanut sauce. The vegetables used are lightly blanched they include water spinach, asparagus, bean, papaya, and cassava leaves as well as bean sprouts, tofu, and tempeh. Once ready the dish is doused in thick peanut sauce giving it both sweet and spicy flavors. This dish is accompanied by crispy peyek crackers, cucumber slices, boiled eggs, and spicy smabal paste.

Nasi liwet is a traditional rice dish originating in Solo, Indonesia. The dish is prepared with rice cooked in coconut milk, with chicken broth and seasoning like bay leaves and lemon grass. Once ready the dish can be topped with shredded chicken, omelet, anchovies, chili peppers, and different vegetables. Traditionally it is cooked in clay pots and served on banana or teak leaves.

Thailand

Khao phat is a dish that is made with stir-fried rice with vegetables. The dish is usually prepared with jasmine rice. It includes ingredients like onions and garlic. The dish is enhanced with fish sauce, soy sauce, white pepper, and fresh lime juice. This dish is topped with a crispy-fried egg and accompanied by a lime wedge and a spicy dipping sauce.

Iran

Tahchin is a savory rice delicacy that looks like a casserole or cake. The dish is prepared with precooked rice spiced with saffron, layered in a pan, and baked. Various meat and vegetables are layered between the rice.

Malaysia

Nasi kandar is a classic dish combining steamed rice with an assortment of different curries, sides, and condiments. It originated in Penang. It is traditionally enjoyed as breakfast food.

Vietnam

Com tam is a traditional dish that in Vietnam is usually sold as street food. The dish is made with broken, imperfect rice grains. The rice is served with toppings like fried eggs, shredded pork skin, grilled pork chops, or deep-fried fish patties. Garnishes can include lime wedges, chopped spring onions, and mint. Accompaniments include sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, pickled vegetables, or dipping sauces.

Banh tet is a specialty in South Vietnam. It is a sticky rice cake that can be either savory or sweet. It is made with glutinous rice stuffed with a mung bean or pork filling and wrapped in a banana leaf. Once wrapped it is boiled or steamed. When done the banana leaf is removed and the log-shaped cake is sliced into cylindrical pieces.

Yemen

Madfoon is a signature Arabian dish. It includes meat and rice. The meat is marinated and cooked in an underground hole placed on sand and surrounded by charcoal, The meat is cooked slowly until tender. It is then served with rice.

India

Hyderabadi biryani is a dish from South India. It is a combination of basmati rice, goat, mutton, or chicken. Other ingredients include lemon, yogurt, onions, and saffron. The process includes raw rice and raw meat cooked together with various spices.

North America

The US

California

Rainbow rolls originated in Los Angeles, California. It is a type of uramaki or upside-down suchi. The rice is on the outside, wrapped around nori seaweed with ingredients like tuna, salmon, avocado, and cucumber. After the uramaki has been assembled the fish and avocado slices are arranged on top of the roll. Once the roll is ready it resembles a rainbow.

Louisiana

Jambalaya is a popular dish originating from the Cajuns in southern parts of the country. The dish includes rice, shrimp or crab meat, spice, smoked sausage and smoked ham, diced green peppers, garlic, celery, onions, tomatoes, and thyme and bay leaves.

Mexico

Arroz rojo is a simple rice dish that is popular as a side dish in Mexico. The dish is made with rice, onions, chili peppers, garlic, coriander, and tomato sauce. The dish is usually served with beef, pork, or chicken dishes.

Puerto Rico

Arroz con gandules is a one-pot national dish. It is a combination of rice, pigeon peas, and sofrito. Flavorings are added by green peppers, onions, garlic, and coriander. For a smoky flavor, bacon can be added. The dish can include cumin, bay leaves, oregano, tomato paste, olives, lime juice, and sour cream. Other versions can add pork or sausages.

South America

Columbia

Arroz con coco is a favorable side dish. It is prepared with white rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and water. The dish is mixed with raisins for a sweeter flavor. Traditionally it is served with fish dishes.

Peru

Juane is a traditional dish that originated in the Peruvian jungles. The dish is made with chicken, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and rice seasoned with spices like turmeric, oregano, and cumin. The ingredients are combined, wrapped in waxy bijao leaves, and cooked.