5 Innovative Ideas to Use Leftover Rice

There are a number of things you can do next time so you don’t have to toss leftover rice into the trash.

1. Rice Pudding - One of the most popular uses for leftover rice is to make rice pudding. You’re already ahead of the game with the rice already prepared and chilled. In a sauce pan, add 2 cups of your leftover rice, 3 cups of milk, cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring this to a boil then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/c cup of raisins. Let simmer on the stove for 30-45 minutes your house will smell delicious! Serves 4 -6.

2. Rice Balls - Italian cooks use their leftover rice in a dish called Arancini’s rice balls. Take your chilled rice and put it in a bowl, add an egg or two, depending on how much rice you have, then add salt and pepper to taste. Roll the mixture into a ball and if you like, add a small cube of mozzarella or sausage and just push it right into the center. Roll the rice balls in bread crumbs and then drop them into a deep fryer that has been filled with vegetable oil. Serve with a side of tomato sauce.

3. Quiche - You can easily substitute the crust for a quiche with leftover rice. Just add an egg or two to your rice, season with salt and pepper, and then create the ‘crust’ in a greased pie dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, then add your quiche ingredients and bake for 20 minutes more until set.

4. Soup - If you’ve got a favourite soup recipe, instead of noodles, why not add leftover rice’ If you’d like to put a quick pot of soup together, all you need is a large can of chicken broth, 1 onion cut into quarters, chopped carrots and celery, and any other vegetables you may have in your fridge or freezer. Heat to a boil, then add your rice and let it simmer on your stove until you’re ready for dinner.

5. Fried Rice - Chilled leftover rice can easily be turned into a quick and easy lunch or dinner. To your rice add chopped scallions, soy sauce and 1 scrambled egg. Add your choice of chicken, beef or shrimp.

Remember, you can always just re-heat your leftover rice and use it as a side dish for lunch or dinner. If you have a lot of rice, and you want to try any of these ideas at a later date, you can actually freeze the rice; just make sure to do it right away.