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The Best Grains of Rice

Rice dishes all over the world

By Rasma RaistersPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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Europe

Denmark

Risengrod is a delicious Danish sweet rice pudding. It is prepared for Christmas. The dessert is made with short-grained rice that has been cooked in milk and water with salt, and at times, vanilla essence.

The rice is stirred continuously until it becomes a thick and creamy pudding, When put into bowls cinnamon sugar is sprinkled on top with a dollop of butter. It is a delectable treat.

Spain

Arroz con pollo is a delectable Spanish dish that comes from the times when the country was under Moorish influence. The dish is a combination of chicken, rice, stock, beer, sofrito, and spices like saffron, cumin, and coriander. Over the years the dish was introduced to the Latin American countries and also became popular there. Today both in Spain and Latin America there are many variations on the original dish.

Arroz Marinero is a delicious dish with the main ingredients being seafood and rice. The dish is created by adding sauteed vegetables like onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic to the seafood and rice and simmering in water or stock and adding different spices and seasonings,

The dish originated in Spain but also got introduced to South America and has become popular in countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia. There are variations on this dish.

Portugal

Arroz de polvo is a delectable Portuguese dish that is a combination of octopus and rice in a sauce of tomatoes, sauteed onions, garlic and spices, It is prepared traditionally in the malandrinho-style where the liquid is not completely reduced and the dish comes out resembling a thick rice stew.

It is usually a dish prepared in the colder seasons and is served garnished with parsley or cilantro and enjoyed as a hearty main course.

Asia

China

Lotus leaf rice is a classic Chinese dish that is a delectable combination of sticky rice wrapped and steamed in lotus leaves. The rice is prepared by soaking and seasoning in different condiments and spices and combined with ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, shrimp, scallions, and salted eggs. The dish is served as a part of traditional dim sum meals.

Japan

Butadon is a Japanese dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with sliced fatty pork cooked in a sweet soy sauce. Other usual toppings can include green peas and onions. The word butadon is derived from two words - buta meaning pork and don meaning bowl so literally this dish can be called pork bowl.

The dish originated in Obihiro and credit has been given to Mr, Abe from the Pancho restaurant for the creation in 1933.

Oshizushi is the name of a unique sushi variety, noted for its signature rectangular shape. It is also known as pressed or box sushi and is made with oshibako, a long rectangular wooden appliance that acts as a frame.

The sushi is a combination of vinegar rice and topped with different kinds of seafood and condiments layered in the oshibako. They are then compressed and a firm block of sushi is created then cut into bite-sized pieces and served.

Vietnam

Bánh tét a South Vietnamese specialty is a savory or sweet sticky rice cake. It is prepared with glutinous rice that has been stuffed with a mung bean or pork filling and wrapped in a banana leaf. Once wrapped it is boiled or steamed and the banana leaf is removed to show a log-shaped rice cake that is sliced into cylindrical pieces.

Banana leaves are used because they give a unique aroma and flavor to the rice. The rice cake is often wrapped in plastic with a red or gold ribbon tied around to make it appear more festive since it is traditionally prepared and served for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Malaysia

Nasi dadang is a delectable Malaysian dish that consists of rice steamed in coconut milk and served accompanied by spicy fish curry. Traditionally this dish is associated with eastern parts of the country particularly Kelantan and Terengganu as well as southern Thailand.

Depending on where it is prepared husked red rice or a combination of jasmine and glutinous white rice can be used. It is usually eaten as a hearty breakfast and accompanied by pickled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, toasted coconut, sambat, and fish crackers.

Thailand

Khao phat is a simple Thai dish of stir-fried rice with vegetables. The dish is traditionally prepared with jasmine rice that is cooked with stir-fried onions, garlic, and green onions. It is flavored with fish sauce, soy sauce, some white pepper and fresh lime juice.

Another essential ingredient is scrambled eggs that get fried alongside the rice and vegetables before blended into the mixture. Traditionally in Thailand, the dish is eaten topped by a crispy fried egg and accompanied by a wedge of lime and spicy dipping sauce known as nam pla prik, a fish sauce mixed with Thai chillies on the side.

South Korea

Kimchi bokkeumbap is a simple and flavorful South Korean dish prepared with fried rice and kimchi and enriched with other ingredients like meat, vegetables, and soy sauce. It can be topped with a fried egg before serving or garnished with sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions or gim.

Iran

Tahdig is a traditional Persian rice dish. The name tahdig means the bottom of the pot, referring to the crispy layer of crusty rice at the bottom of the cooking pot. This delectable dish is prepared with basmati rice, ghee or oil, and flavored with salt, white turmeric, and saffron.

During preparation extra ghee or oil is put in the bottom of the pan so the bottom layer of rice gets fried while the rice layer on top gets steamed. Other versions include lavash bread, sliced potatoes, or yogurt at the bottom of the pan.

Tachin is a well-known Iranian rice delicacy that looks like a cake or a casserole. The dish is a delectible combination of pre-cooked rice that has been spiced with saffron, layered in a pan and baked. After it is done the rice casserole is turned over and cut into pieces.

Meat or vegetables can be added as layers between the rice, There are different variations.

Africa

Nigeria

Jollof rice is Nigeria's national dish. The rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, salt, and pepper. The rice can be topped with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other ingredients added to this dish include coconut milk, nutmeg, partminger (African basil leaf), and at times Rorboos tea in the sauce.

South America

Brazil

Arroz carreteiro or wagoner's rice is a hearty rice and meat dish that originated in the south of Brazil, The dish was prepared by gauchos who traveled around and needed nutritious meals. During that time the dish was prepared with dried beef but today it can also be prepared with barbeque leftovers.

Other ingredients added to arroz carreteiro include rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic, oil, and parsley, When the dish is served it is topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Peru

Tacu-tacu is a Peruvian dish that is prepared with rice, beans, onions, and spices, The ingredients are pan-fried and formed in a thick, pancake-like dish. This dish supposedly originated among the African community while the name stems from the Quechuan taka-taka translating to mashed or pounded,

Variations include lentils and tacu-tacu is usually topped with a fried egg or accompanied with breaded or fried meat, fried plantains and onion based salsa criolla.

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About the Creator

Rasma Raisters

My passions are writing and creating poetry. I write for several sites online and have four themed blogs on Wordpress. Please follow me on Twitter.

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