Rice recipes

Egyptian koushari layers brown lentils, elbow macaroni, and fried rice tossed with tomato puree and crispy ta'leya onions. Egypt's beloved street food, vegetarian and filling.

Curried rice with chicken or turkey, brown rice, kale, leeks, carrots, and mushrooms in one pot. A fiber-rich leftover-meat recycling meal with mild Indian warmth.

Cajun red beans and rice slow-simmered with salt pork, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and a whole hot pepper. Old-school Louisiana comfort food with a thick, creamy bean gravy.

Arroz con habichuelas, Puerto Rican red beans and rice with cumin, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of raw sugar. Soaked dried beans simmered until creamy, served over fluffy white rice.

Crispy baked chicken legs served with homemade mango ginger chutney and toasted coconut carrot rice. A tropical-meets-comfort dinner with bold, layered spices.

Single-serving broccoli rice soup made with leftover rice, cooked broccoli, and a surprising hint of apple. Serve chunky or puree it smooth. Ready in about 10 minutes of active cooking.

A hearty grain salad of pinto beans and wild rice tossed with mixed greens in a punchy chive-garlic vinaigrette, garnished with chive blossoms. Vegan, filling, and full of texture.

Basmati rice studded with five dried fruits, sliced mushrooms, slivered almonds, and cinnamon. A fragrant side dish that pairs beautifully with veal or poultry.

Burmese-style coconut rice with grated coconut, cinnamon, turmeric, curry powder, cloves, and bay leaves stirred into cooked rice. A fragrant, warmly spiced side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Rotel and rice corn soup with spicy diced tomatoes, sweet corn, red pepper, and tortilla strips in a vegetable broth. A 30-minute pantry-friendly vegetarian dinner.

Sizzling rice hot and sour soup with chicken, dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and crispy fried rice crusts dropped tableside for a dramatic sizzle. Includes homemade rice crust instructions.

Sem Pullao with green beans, basmati rice, mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric cooked in one pot. A fragrant Indian vegetarian side dish ready in 40 minutes.

Vidalia onions baked golden and stuffed with wild rice, mushrooms, apple, and fresh marjoram. A savory-sweet side dish that uses the scooped-out onion in the filling.

Vegan brown rice and wheat berries cooked together in one pot with sauteed scallions. A chewy, nutty whole grain side dish with hearty texture from the wheat berries.

Nothing is more fascinating and delicious than eating at the open- air street hawker centers in Asia, particularly in Singapore. Each stall serves a specialty, typically an honest, unpretentious, home-style dish for $1 to $3 a plate. This rice noodle dish is hawker food at its best. If done right, its fragrance will tell you how good it's going to be as soon as it arrives at your table.

Wild rice cucumber salad with red bell pepper and scallions, tossed with your favorite dressing. A nutty, crunchy grain salad that's naturally vegan and high in fiber.