Brown rice is one of the most versatile whole grains; nutty yet mild in flavor, it pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients alike. While brown rice is thought of as the go-to side dish for Asian stir-fries, Tex-Mex stews and Indian curries, we found five other, more inventive ways to use our favorite whole grain. A tasty twist on a breakfast favorite: In Korea, rice porridge (juk) is commonly eaten in the morning in both sweet and savory iterations. The texture is similar to oatmeal, with a slightly nutty taste. Use instant rice to make quick work of breakfast, or use rice left over from dinner the night before. Add dried fruit and milk, then top with brown sugar for a breakfast that everyone will love. Boost salads' staying power: The reason why salads don't satisfy when eaten as a meal (as opposed to a side dish or starter) is that most people load them up with vegetables and not much else. Veggies are powerhouses when it comes to health--full of fiber and antioxidants, plus loads of wellness-boosting phytochemicals--but on their own they don't do much for hunger. In addition to protein, add a dose of whole grains to your salad if you want to give it a fighting chance to ward off hunger. These Tex Mex Rice Salad Wraps are like portable taco salads. (Save even more time by using precooked or leftover chicken in the recipe.) Add a boost of protein: While whole grains like rice aren't a complete protein (meaning they don't contain all essential amino acids), their unrefined state means that they do contain more protein than their processed counterparts. Cooked brown rice has almost 5 grams of hunger-fighting protein in every cup. If you're trying to eat more protein, choosing whole grains instead of refined ones is a great way to sneak in a few grams at every meal. Start with this tasty vegetarian casserole. Stretch your grocery dollars: We all know we should be eating less meat, and the hefty price tags in the meat aisle at the supermarket are certainly helping us reach that goal. We're always on the lookout for new healthy swaps for our favorite foods--and if they help save money, that's even better. One of our favorite tips is to use brown rice in your favorite dishes like meatloaf or sloppy joes. You'll be able to stretch a pound of meat further, and you'll be adding a serving of nutritious whole grains to your dish! Make comfort foods healthier: Casseroles are a busy cook's BFF, but the salty condensed soups and refined carbs they often contain are a healthy eater's frenemies. Keep the peace in the kitchen by swapping a complex carb like brown rice into your favorite casserole. Lately, we've been dishing up this cheesy Chicken Bake with Brown Rice and Corn and loving it. (The leftovers make a scrumptious lunch served over baby spinach.) What is your favorite way to enjoy brown rice? These recipes were shared by our sponsor, UNCLE BEN’S® |
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