Sneaky Ways To Make Use Of Leftover Rice
My family loves rice and I often make it to serve as a side dish. I make it with water, butter, and salt, and everyone will gobble it down but sometimes we end up with some leftover rice.
The good news is that this leftover rice has many great uses and I never have to worry about rice going to waste with a few tricks up my sleeve. Rice truly is one of my favorite food staples to save money.
Why rice is a great addition to your families meals
Rice is a great addition to your family’s meals as the food shortages loom on because it is very filling and can help to provide your family with food for a long time at a low cost. We buy rice in bulk at Sams Club once or twice a year and then I can sit back and relax knowing that if things get rough I have this great staple to bulk up our meals.
Smart ways to use leftover rice
Fried Rice: Turn your leftover rice into a delicious fried rice by adding vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein. Simply sauté the vegetables and any leftover meat you have in the refrigerator in a hot pan, then add the leftover rice and stir until heated through. Season with soy sauce or other spices as desired. This is one of my favorite ways to make use of leftover rice the next day.
Rice Soup: Add leftover rice to your favorite soup for added texture and flavor. The rice will absorb some of the liquid and become tender and flavorful. You can use any kind of soup that you like, from tomato soup to chicken noodle soup.
Cheesy rice: One of our favorite ways to make use of leftover rice is to make a simple roux and melt up whatever cheese I have in the refrigerator to make a cheesy rice that like Mac and Cheese makes a great comfort food. The kids even like this bulked up with some corn and tuna for a cheesy casserole for lunch.
Stuffed Peppers: Use leftover rice as a base for stuffed peppers, adding meat, cheese, and vegetables for a delicious meal. Simply stuff the peppers with the rice mixture and bake in the oven until tender and golden. This works well for mushrooms as well. My dad used to make it with sausage and pasta sauce and serve it deconstructed for those of us that don’t like cooked peppers.
Rice Pudding: Turn leftover rice into a sweet dessert by adding milk, sugar, and your favorite flavorings. You can use any kind of milk, from dairy milk to almond milk, and add vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices for added flavor. My kids love this with cinnamon and sugar and think of it as a treat for breakfast.
Rice and Bean Burritos: Combine leftover rice and beans in a warm tortilla with cheese and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy meal. Add salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor. Use leftover refried beans or taco meat for the base of these burritos and never worry about if those leftovers will get used.
Rice Fritters: Mix leftover rice with eggs, flour, and spices to make crispy fritters that can be fried or baked. These are a great snack or appetizers that can be dipped in your favorite sauce.
Rice and Egg Breakfast Bowl: Top leftover rice with a fried egg and your favorite breakfast toppings, like avocado and salsa. This is a great way to start your day with a hearty and healthy meal.
Rice and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add leftover rice to a vegetable stir-fry for added texture and nutrition. The rice will absorb the flavors of the vegetables and spices, making for a delicious and healthy meal.
Rice and Meatball Soup: Use leftover rice as a base for a hearty soup with meatballs, vegetables, and broth. This is a great way to use up any leftover meatballs or vegetables that you have in your fridge.
Rice and Bean Salad: Combine leftover rice with beans, vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette for a quick and tasty salad. This is a great way to use up any leftover beans or vegetables that you have on hand.
Homemade Veggie Burgers: Mix leftover rice with vegetables and spices to make delicious and healthy veggie burgers. The rice will act as the binder. These can be grilled or baked and topped with your favorite toppings.
Rice and Sausage Skillet: Combine leftover rice with sausage, vegetables, and spices for a quick and easy one-pan meal. This is a great option for a quick and easy dinner that is also hearty and satisfying.
Jambalaya: Use leftover rice as a base for a spicy and flavorful jambalaya with sausage and vegetables. This is a great option for a quick and easy dinner that is also hearty and satisfying. I honestly;y make this form a box most of the time but easily toss leftover rice in with the rest to make it go further.
