Delicious Main Course Ideas with Rice

Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be the foundation of numerous delicious main course dishes. It's widely available, easy to prepare, and can be paired with countless ingredients from various cuisines around the world. In this article, we'll explore some delightful and simple rice-based mains that you can add to your meal-plan.

Chicken Biryani: A popular Indian dish where fragrant basmati rice is cooked with tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and herbs. Serves: 4

1. Ingredients:
   • 500g boneless chicken
   • 2 cups (360g) basmati rice
   • 1 large onion, sliced
   • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
   • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
   • 1 tsp turmeric powder
   • 2 tsp biryani masala
   • Salt to taste
   • 4 cups (960ml) water for cooking rice

Cooking Instructions: Marinate the chicken with turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and water. Cook on low heat until it's half done. Parboil the rice. In a separate pan, sauté onions until golden, add tomatoes, biryani masala, and cook well. Add the cooked chicken to this mixture, and then spread the parboiled rice evenly over the chicken. Cover tightly and cook for 5 more minutes on low heat.

Spanish Paella: Originating from Spain, paella is a savory rice dish made with various ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, or meat. Serves: 6

1. Ingredients:
   • 4 cups (90g) bomba rice
   • 1 large onion, chopped
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
   • 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable stock
   • 500g mussels, cleaned and debearded
   • 300g shrimp, shelled and deveined
   • 6 large prawns, shelled and deveined
   • 1 cup (240ml) olive oil
   • Salt to taste
   • A pinch of saffron

Cooking Instructions: In a wide pan, sauté onions and garlic until golden brown. Add tomatoes, cook for 5 more minutes. Add the rice and gently stir to coat with the vegetable mixture. Pour in chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes. Add salt and saffron threads; mix carefully. Add mussels, shrimp, and prawns on top of rice; cover and cook for 5 more minutes until seafood is cooked through.

Thai Coconut Chicken Curry with Rice: Combining Thai spices with tender chicken, thick coconut broth, and juicy vegetables in a single dish. Serves: 4

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups (360g) jasmine rice
   • 500g boneless chicken breast
   • 2 medium potatoes, cubed
   • 1 can coconut milk (480ml)
   • 2 tbsp red curry paste
   • 2 kaffir lime leaves
   • 4 cloves garlic, minced
   • 3 stalk lemongrass, bruised
   • Salt to taste
   • A handful of Thai basil leaves

Cooking Instructions: Soak the rice for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. In a large pan heat some oil, cook minced garlic for a minute. Add red curry paste, followed by cubes of potatoes and chicken breast pieces. Stir in coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, salt to taste; bring to a gentle boil then simmer. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender. Serve with steamed jasmine rice garnished with Thai basil leaves.

These recipes will provide you with flavorful and satisfying meals made easy by the humble grain known as rice! So, whether you're in the mood for exotic spices or a comforting classic, these dishes have something to offer everyone.