18 Ways to Turn Rice, the Ultimate Grain, Into a Healthy and Delicious Meal

Kedgeree is a mouthwatering Anglo-Indian dish featuring boiled rice, lean protein, and spices like parsley and curry powder. This particular version calls for basmati rice and takes just 20 minutes to prep.

Elevate your breakfast game by making this hearty grain bowl. It's the perfect way to start your day while using up leftover rice. For an extra nutritional punch, enjoy it with fruits of your choice.

Rice and beans get a facelift with this 30-minute meal. It's teeming with good-for-you nutrients, like healthy fats (from avocados) and lean protein (from eggs).

Equal parts creamy and rich, this risotto will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It's also packed with gut-friendly fiber thanks to the sweet corn and brown rice.

A healthy dinner comes in the form of seared tuna steaks, crunchy cabbage slaw, and creamy cilantro dressing. Pair with a simple rice and bean combo, then dig in.

Rainbow chard is cooked in ginger then served atop black rice with poached eggs. The result is a nutritious meal that's bursting with color and flavor.

Rice may shine in savory foods, but its talents don't stop there. With this quick 15-minute recipe, you can transform last night's rice into a naturally sweetened porridge.

Congee is a rice porridge that's enjoyed across Asia (where it goes by a variety of names). White rice is simmered with chicken, broth, and ginger for the ultimate comfort meal.

If you're craving a bit of heat, add this seafood rice dish to your rotation. It owes its flavor to whole, natural ingredients like ginger, chiles, and fresh cilantro and basil.

Take on Meatless Monday with this delectable eggplant dish. Whole eggplants are grilled to perfection, then paired with rice pilaf, pomegranate molasses, and lemony tahini.   

If you're not a fan of raw fish, try your hand at these baked salmon sushi rolls. Short-grain white rice and fresh vegetables (think: carrots and cucumbers) are wrapped in toasted nori, then served with a side of soy sauce.

Transform leftover rice into a golden pancake with this 35-minute recipe. Top it off with fresh celery and radishes for a satisfyingly crunchy dish.

For an extra dose of vegetables, try this risotto with meaty shiitake mushrooms. Want to make it vegan? Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free version, like olive oil-based butter.

This easy weeknight dinner calls for beef chili, harissa tomato, and white rice—though you can certainly swap in another variety, like brown or wild rice. Make it meat-free by using a vegetarian bean chili instead.

Ready in just five minutes, this refreshing golden horchata unites brown rice and fresh turmeric. The result is a cold and spicy beverage that's packed with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Rich in anti-inflammatory spices and vitamin-packed vegetables, this vibrant basmati rice porridge will surely hit the spot. Its main ingredient is yellow mung dal, or lentil-like legumes that offer plenty of fiber and protein.

Follow this recipe to learn how to make pepper vinegar, a hot condiment that will make your taste buds sing. Serve it with cilantro rice, spicy greens, and poached eggs for zesty and nutritious meal.