20+ Rice & Grain Dishes and Recipes in Main Course
Rice and grains are staple ingredients in cuisines worldwide, offering versatility, nutrition, and heartiness to meals. Whether you’re craving a comforting risotto, a fragrant biryani, or a wholesome quinoa bowl, these dishes cater to diverse palates. Below are over 20 main course recipes featuring rice and grains that are easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
1. Classic Chicken Biryani
A fragrant Indian dish with basmati rice, tender chicken, aromatic spices, and saffron, cooked to perfection in layers.
2. Mushroom Risotto
An Italian delight made with Arborio rice, rich broth, parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms for a creamy, comforting texture.
3. Paella Valenciana
A Spanish favorite featuring saffron-infused rice, seafood, chicken, and vegetables, cooked to a flavorful perfection.
4. Jambalaya
A spicy Creole dish from Louisiana with rice, shrimp, chicken, sausage, and a blend of bold Cajun spices.
5. Vegetable Pulao
A quick and mildly spiced Indian rice dish loaded with colorful vegetables, whole spices, and aromatic basmati rice.
6. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Nutritious quinoa mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices stuffed into bell peppers and baked until tender.
7. Coconut Rice with Thai Curry
Fragrant coconut-infused rice paired with a rich and spicy Thai curry for a delightful Asian-inspired meal.
8. Brown Rice Buddha Bowl
A health-packed bowl with brown rice, roasted vegetables, avocado, chickpeas, and a tangy tahini dressing.
9. Kimchi Fried Rice
A Korean specialty with stir-fried rice, spicy kimchi, eggs, and green onions, offering bold umami flavors.
10. Lemon Herb Couscous
A light and zesty dish made with couscous, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.
11. Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf
A nutty wild rice dish cooked with mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a wholesome, earthy main course.
12. Shrimp and Grits
A Southern comfort dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon, and a rich, flavorful sauce.
13. Farro Salad with Roasted Veggies
Nutty farro tossed with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a balsamic glaze for a refreshing meal.
14. Lentil and Rice Mujadara
A Middle Eastern dish made with spiced lentils, rice, and caramelized onions for a hearty and nutritious meal.
15. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
A vibrant rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce for extra heat.
16. Mexican Rice and Beans
A flavorful dish with seasoned rice, black beans, tomatoes, and spices, often served with tortillas or avocado.
17. Saffron Barley with Roasted Chicken
A nutritious grain dish cooked with saffron, vegetables, and tender roasted chicken for a fulfilling meal.
18. Greek Orzo Salad
A Mediterranean delight with orzo pasta, olives, feta, cucumbers, and a lemony olive oil dressing.
19. Turmeric Spiced Millet
A golden-hued, antioxidant-rich millet dish with warm turmeric, garlic, and coconut milk for a nourishing meal.
20. Black Rice Stir-Fry
A visually striking dish with antioxidant-rich black rice, fresh vegetables, tofu, and a soy-ginger sauce.
21. Barley and Lamb Stew
A slow-cooked hearty stew featuring pearl barley, tender lamb, root vegetables, and a blend of warm spices.
Conclusion
From comforting risottos to vibrant rice bowls, these 20+ rice and grain dishes bring variety and nutrition to your main course. Explore global flavors and enjoy these wholesome recipes for a satisfying meal!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.