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30 Ways to Use Rice

Fill Your Plate

09.30.2013

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bigstock-Rice-Stages-43999477 — Pick one of these delicious ways to make rice a can’t miss part of your meal! (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

Rice is the most widely eaten cereal grain on the planet and serves as the main staple in the diets of large sections of the population. It is responsible for one fifth of all the calories consumed by people and we have been eating it for most of human history. Rice is very versatile and can be eaten on its own or added to a broad range of dishes. It can form the base of casseroles and soups, served with stir fry, or used to make delicious side dishes that complement almost any protein. While some research indicates that the amount of naturally occurring arsenic found in rice may increase the chances of developing some long term health problems, the FDA indicates that rice continues to be a safe food when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Rice can be beneficial for families who are looking for ways to stretch their food dollar because it can be a low cost meal extender. Adding rice to other dishes allows you to provide more food and more carbohydrate calories without significantly increasing the cost of the dish. This may free up some of your family’s food budget to buy more locally grown fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Using rice as a dietary staple doesn’t mean adding a scoop of rice to your plate. Rice can be used in many different ways to make deliciously filling meals. Here are some of the great ways you can use rice to fill your family’s plate.