Back to the Basics: Easy Rice Recipes

A vegetarian meal doesn't have to be fancy. Sometimes all you really want is just some rice and veggies or pasta with marinara. Rice can be a staple of a vegetarian diet as its versatile, cheap, and easy to prepare. You may want to use whole grain rice for an added nutritional boost. Here are a few of my favorite easy rice recipes for a simple side or a hearty main dish.

Vegetarian Jambalaya Recipe
Jambalaya is a southern rice dish that is a meal in itself! This recipe is Creole style, which means that the rice is simmered in tomato paste, rather than just water. Although this recipe calls for zuchinni and okra, the veggies that you use are really up to you. Eggplant, mushrooms or yellow squash would also work great. This recipe cooks up a generous amount, so plan on having leftovers!

White Wine Risotto Recipe
Risotto may seem fancy, but it is very easy to prepare and makes a wonderful main dish. You need a special kind of rice for risotto, called arborio rice, which should be available in most larger grocery stores. A generous amount of white wine makes this aromatic entree festive enough for any special occasion.

Coconut Rice Recipe
Vegetarian coconut rice is a flavorful side dish that can be eaten on its own or with a stirfry or sauce. The coconut and lemongrass flavors are inspired by traditional Thai recipes, yet this vegan dish has very few ingredients and is a breeze to prepare.

Tip: How to Cook Rice

Pictured: Coconut Rice