6 exotic dishes made with leftover rice

Leftover rice often has space in the refrigerator. And then, it is either tossed into vegetable fried rice or curd rice. While they both taste wonderful, don't you get bored of repeating the same tale? If yes, we are hearing you, and that's why we have got some wonderful and exotic twists for the leftover rice. These are simple and easy-to-make rice dishes that can be prepared with leftover rice and are nutritious too. Take a look.

This one has a sweet aftertaste and to turn leftover rice into a tropical feast with this Thai-inspired dish, you need to sauté onions, garlic, and other seasonal vegetables in oil or butter, then toss in rice with chunks of fresh pineapple, soy sauce, and curry powder. Garnish with roasted cashews and spring onions for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

This one is Indonesia’s national dish and is made with sambal (chili paste), sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste, and bits of chicken or prawns. Along with leftover rice, Nasi Goreng gives a smoky depth and it is best served with a topping of fried egg and crispy shallots for a restaurant-style finish.

This one is perfect for kids' school tiffin, where you turn plain rice into crispy golden rice balls with this Italian favorite. All you need to do is, mix leftover rice with mozzarella, parmesan, herbs, and a little tomato sauce, shape the mixture into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and deep-fry until crunchy. They are best served with marinara sauce or garlic aioli.

These are Japanese rice balls which are perfect for a light meal or school and office tiffin. Simply season leftover rice with salt or furikake (rice seasoning), then stuff it with fillings like tuna mayo, pickled plum, or sautéed mushrooms. Shape into triangles or rounds and wrap with a strip of seaweed for a delightful snack. Try it!

This is one of the most creative ways to reuse leftover rice. Spanish croquettes or croquetas de arroz are soft inside and crisp outside and are made with a blend of rice with cheese, minced vegetables, and a hint of smoked paprika. Once done, roll them into logs, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden. Pair with a tangy tomato dip or aioli.

Have you ever tried making fritters with leftover rice? If not, then its time to give exotic twist to rice with Middle Eastern spices. Combine it with chickpea flour, cumin, coriander, and parsley. Shape into small patties and pan-fry until crisp. Serve warm with a drizzle of tahini sauce or a dollop of garlic yogurt for a protein-packed snack.

All Images Courtesy: istock
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.