Rice doesn't have to be tasteless. In fact, there are numerous recipes to flavor it. You can do this both during cooking (adding aromatic herbs and vegetables) and afterwards. When you're done, make any changes you need to keep it from being too sweet, spicy, or salty.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Flavor the Rice While Cooking
Step 1. Add a hot sauce to the water
If you're serving rice as a side dish to a spicier dish, you can add some spice to balance the flavors. Cook the rice in a mixture made up half of a sauce and the other half of water to obtain a spicy and tasty dish.
- However, remember that rice is sometimes used to freshen the mouth when you eat spicy food. Therefore, use a sauce with a slightly more delicate flavor than that of the main course, so that the flavors are balanced.
- If you are making a particularly spicy dish, replace the sauce with carrot juice. In this way the rice will allow you to balance the flavors of the dishes without becoming too spicy.
Step 2. Cook the rice in the broth
Try replacing the water with chicken or vegetable broth. This can give the rice some extra flavor. The broth is perfect for preparing a side dish with a delicate but still distinguishable flavor.
Step 3. Boil the rice with diced fruit or vegetables
Vegetables with a particularly intense flavor can be diced and cooked together with the rice in the pot. You can for example use onions, cranberries, cherries or peas. The rice will absorb its flavor during cooking, acquiring an intense flavor.
You can also add herbs or spices that go well with selected vegetables. For example, mix diced onion and chopped fresh garlic
Step 4. Add a cinnamon stick before cooking the rice to make a sweet and spicy dessert
To intensify the flavor, use garlic as well. Cook the rice as usual. When cooked, you will have a dessert with a strong and sweet taste, but not cloying.
Method 2 of 3: Flavor the Cooked Rice
Step 1. Herbs can enhance the flavor of freshly cooked rice
When cooked, chop the herbs of your choice, then mix them with the rice to flavor it. For example, you can use parsley, rosemary, coriander and garlic.
Choose herbs that go well with the main course. For example, if you want to serve rice with a Mediterranean dish, try adding fresh garlic and basil
Step 2. Once the rice is cooked, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
Choose an oil with an intense flavor, such as olive oil. You can also add herbs or spices such as parsley or garlic. Move the rice to the pan. Let it brown by coating it with oil and herbs.
While this recipe is flavorful, it also has a lot of calories. It is not suitable for those looking for a low-calorie side dish
Step 3. To make a dessert, add some sweet ingredients when cooked, such as cranberries and cherries
You can also use spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla, or almond extract. This way you can serve a delicious rice-based dessert.
This recipe is recommended for those who want to reduce the consumption of sugar, as it allows you to flavor the rice using fresh fruit and low-calorie or calorie-free sweeteners
Step 4. Use a ready-made seasoning mix
When shopping, buy a spice blend such as Cajun or a meat mix - you can use it to season rice when cooked. This is a very quick way to make a tasty side dish for lunch or dinner.
Step 5. Add some citrus juice, such as lime or lemon
It is ideal for adding pungent notes to rice. This method is especially recommended for preparing a rice-based side dish that accompanies dishes such as fish (which goes well with sour fruit). Once the rice is cooked, squeeze a few drops of your favorite citrus fruit and stir.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
Step 1. Make sure you use enough salt
Overdoing it can ruin the flavor of a dish, but at the same time don't make the mistake of completely excluding it. In moderation, salt helps bring out the taste of a dish. Season the rice, season with salt and taste. If it's bland, gradually add more salt until you get the desired result.
Step 2. Remedy if the rice is too sweet
It can happen that you overdo it with sweeteners such as extracts and spices. In this case, run for cover by adding an acidic ingredient. For example, a few drops of apple cider vinegar is enough.
Step 3. Many people like spicy rice
However, if the main course is particularly spicy, rice is often needed to calm the taste buds between bites. If the rice tastes too pungent, tone it down by mixing it with fruit or vegetables. You can also add a small amount of sour cream or plain yogurt.
