Rice is a fantastic ingredient that can be a part of many different recipes. One of the best things about it is that even if you’re trying to eat healthier you don’t have to cut it out! There are many very healthy recipes that you can make with rice that taste absolutely delicious.

There are two main types of rice: white rice and brown rice. Brown rice is thought to be better for you as it is whole grain, but you can use both types of rice in healthy recipes. Below is a guide to some very healthy recipes that include rice.

Rice Pudding
Although rice pudding is often thought of as a cheeky indulgence, you can make it as a healthy dessert with white or brown rice. All you need is 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of cooked rice (brown or white), 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and 1 dash of cinnamon.

Rice pudding with Cinnamon, absolutely delicious!

Firstly, you shake the coconut milk to ensure it is completely mixed and then put it into a small pan. You then allow the coconut milk to simmer over a low heat. Next you add the honey and stir to ensure it is mixed throughout. After the honey is added, you can add the rice, again, stirring to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

You should allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes; this will allow it to become thicker. Finally, you pour the pudding into dishes and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The perfect quick, easy and healthy rice recipe!

Brown Rice Salad
Salads are great for you, and the brown rice salad is no exception! To make this delicious summer dish, you will need: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon sugar, some coarse salt and ground pepper, 2 cups of cooked brown rice, 1 medium cucumber cut into slices, 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 pint of cherry tomatoes all sliced in half.

Preparing this dish is very easy, and won’t take very long. All you have to do is put the olive oil, vinegar, dill, garlic, and sugar into a large bowl and whisk it together. Season it with the salt and pepper and add the rice, cucumber, spinach and tomatoes. You toss the ingredients in the bowl around to mix them up and there you have it; a healthy and scrumptious brown rice salad, perfect for serving up to 4 people.

Rice Stir Fry
This brown rice stir-fry will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, and is a very healthy meal not lacking in flavour. You will need: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic,1 piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped finely, 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper both cut into small chunks, 3 cups of cooked brown rice, 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, some coarse salt and pepper, 3 scallions halved lengthwise and sliced thinly and 8 ounces of baked, flavoured tofu chopped into 1 inch cubes.

A delicious Chicken Rice stir fry

Firstly, you need to obtain a large wok and heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat. Then add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds. Next, throw in the tofu and stir-fry until it goes golden brown, which will take about 2 minutes. Then add the peppers and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.

The rice and soy sauce should then be added; cook until the rice is heated through (about 3 minutes), stirring occasionally. Next, stir in the sesame oil, season with salt and pepper, garnish with the scallions and serve up the wonderful healthy rice meal you have just made.

About the author: Sally Anthony, design guide and writer for Nicholas Anthony, Cambridge kitchen designer, offering lifestyle and design tips for new kitchen owners such as decoration and cooking. Above are just some of the many delicious and healthy rice recipes available. With food like this you can rest assured that you will be enjoying a healthy yet absolutely delicious meal.

Image Credits: R Berteig and D.L.