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Rice is highly nutritious and is a staple food in many parts of the world. However, following the same rice recipes for kids every day may make them uninterested in eating their meals. Therefore, to ensure children consume enough rice and enjoy its benefits, you should incorporate it in different interesting recipes.
Mitch Hedberg, an American stand-up comedian, rightly quoted, “I like rice. Rice is great if you are hungry and want 2000 of something.” Further, rice is a versatile ingredient and goes well with almost all vegetables. You can experiment with cooking it in different ways to make it more attractive and appetizing.
This post gives you an interesting list of nutritious and easy-to-prepare rice recipes that your children will love.
Top 11 Easy Rice Recipes For Kids
We have compiled a list of the top rice recipes that are quick, easy, and nutritious for your children’s meals. Try these tasty and kid-friendly dishes to encourage your children’s involvement in the kitchen and make mealtime enjoyable.
1. Bisi Bele Bhaat
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This colorful, amazing kid-friendly rice dish would definitely be a favorite!
- Whether it is your super picky child or your lamenting husband or anyone for that matter, there is simply no way for them to resist this.
- If your kids are bored with plain lentils or dal sambar, get the recipe from https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/bisi-bele-bath-recipe/, make the bise bele at home, serve them and watch them empty their plates.
If your child is a picky eater, you can customize these recipes to suit your child’s preferences. Meena, a mother of two and a food blogger, has a clever trick to get her kids to try different Indian foods. She explains, “When my kids were younger and had started going to school and daycare, they went through a phase of not wanting to eat anything Indian. So, if I wanted them to eat something, I made up names for it. To make Vangi bath (flavored eggplant rice) into Italian rice, I would put it on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle some grated cheese on top, and microwave it for about 30 seconds – just enough to melt the cheese. And there, in a jiffy, was Italian rice. My kids loved it (i).” This creative approach can make mealtimes more enjoyable and exciting for your children.
2. Risotto
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Do you want to try Italian rice dishes for kids? This Italian rice porridge is a buttery rich delight, and a very popular comfort food around the world, especially in Europe!
- Usually people have it in fancy restaurants, but to make it at home is simplicity itself. It can be cooked in a deep-dish pan or a pressure cooker and also be made into a risotto rice pudding.
- So get the recipe from https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/easy-parmesan-risotto-recipe.html, save some money by ditching the restaurant, put on some Italian music and enjoy your risotto at home!
Quick tip3. Vegetable Curd Rice
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that toddlers from 12 to 23 months can have about 2⁄3 to 1 cup of vegetables. Children aged two to three should aim for 1 to 1½ cups, and those between four and eight should have 1½ to 2½ cups.
Here’s a recipe for a simple yet effective rice dish that includes nutritious vegetables tossed with spices to make an absolute yummy delight.
- It’s best to add homemade yogurt, rather than store-bought, for more goodness.
- Some also add cashew nuts, green grapes, and a little butter for extra richness.
- Cook it using the recipe at https://www.rakskitchen.net/2012/06/curd-rice-thayir-sadam-recipe.html, garnish it with grated carrots and serve hot to your darling.
4. Sichuan Fried Rice
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The Chinese are really spreading their magic everywhere, from products to food! Announce Sichuan fried rice with Manchurian for dinner, and your kid will be ready to dig into dinner way before it’s time. This easy fried rice recipe for kids is surely a winner.
- This fried rice, featuring spring onions and slivers of vegetables and meat of your choice, is a colorful option on cold days.
- Check out this easy fried rice recipe for kids at http://sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Sichuan-Fried-Rice-FoodFood.html
5. Paella
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Not too spicy but still magical in taste, this Spanish delicacy is a fun twist in your everyday menu.
- Paella can be customized as vegetarian, chicken, seafood, and even exotic paella that has snails and octopus!
- Next time your kid asks for something different, be sure to get the easy rice dishes for kids and surprise them with a one-pot meal like Paella.
6. Japanese Rice Balls
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Did you know that rice is the staple food for Japanese people? They use a different type of rice called sticky rice, which is the key ingredient in making those great sushi rolls.
- Onigiri is one of the most beloved rice snacks that is famous all over the world for its handy form and delicious taste.
- Here is the https://allrecipes.com/recipe/onigiri—japanese-rice-balls/. You now know what cuisine you are going to try this weekend!
Quick fact7. Mango Rice
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Yes, you can make easy rice recipes for kids using raw mango and we assure you, it will not be fruity!
- This recipe from https://www.padhuskitchen.com/2013/06/raw-mango-rice-recipe-andhra-style.html will tell you the secret to making great mango rice, which is spicy, tangy and delicious at the same time.
- In India, this rice is made during special occasions like weddings, baby showers, and christening.
8. Mexican Bean Rice
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Bean? Rice? Mexican? The best combination for a rice meal, ever! This can be a protein-rich meal and healthy stir-fry rice dish for children too.
- Preparing this dish is easier than some complicated rice dishes. You can help your child learn about Mexico and its cuisine by serving this dish for a leisurely Sunday lunch.
- Recipe is available at https://www.soscuisine.com/recipe/mexican-rice-beans
Quick tip9. Biryani
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Biryani is one of the most famous and universally accepted rice dishes. There is simply no one who could say no to this exceptional Indian dish!
- Additionally this isn’t so hard to prepare either, as long as you follow the recipe to the core. Adjust the chilli to have control over the spiciness.
- There are many varieties of biryani available at https://www.allrecipes.com/. Try the Moghul version using basmati rice with nuts and raisins, or the spicy South Indian Chettinad version that uses the short grain jeera samba.
10. Jambalaya
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This is yet another of those mind-blowing rice dishes for children which is known to very few. Worry not, for you are shortly going to be one of those few!
- Jambalaya is a Creole dish, with roots in Spanish and French cuisine. It is closely related to paella.
- Adding celery and smoked sausage gives it the distinct “jambay” flavor, something that will remain in your memory long after you digested your nutritious meal! Check out the recipe at https://www.gumbopages.com/food/jambalaya.html
11. Peanut Rice
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Peanut rice, an extraordinary Basmati creation rooted in India’s culinary heritage, promises sensory delight and culinary novelty. It elevates ordinary meals to an extraordinary dining experience.
- Having originated from the heart of Indian home cooking, this dish skillfully joins roasted peanuts and fragrant Basmati rice, crafting an agreeable union of sensations and flavors.
- Peanut Rice shares similarities with lemon rice, yet by incorporating peanuts and curry leaves it develops a distinctive nutty essence that lingers even after enjoying your nutritious and healthy serving.
- Check out the recipe at https://rakskitchen.net/peanut-rice-recipe-easy-lunch-box-ideas/ to prepare yourself for a burst of flavors and create a meal that you’ll remember!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is white rice good for children?
Yes, white and all other types of rice are good for children when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Rice contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can benefit your child. (1).
2. Which rice is best for kids?
Brown rice, because it is wholegrain, may be slightly more nutritious than white rice and, therefore, better for your child. However, all types of rice can benefit your child if given as part of a healthy diet (1).
3. How much rice is recommended a day for children?
For children between 2 to 3 years, 3 ounces of grains per day is recommended and for children between 4 to 8 years, depending on their gender and level of activity, 4 to 6 ounces of grains can be given per day (2).
4. What are some kid-friendly cooking tips?
Cooking with your children can be a fun way to bond and teach them about healthy eating. Start by involving them in simple tasks like washing vegetables, and let them get creative by choosing some ingredients for the meal. To keep things exciting, you could use colorful plates and utensils that make the food visually appealing.
Rice is a common food rich in B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. You can use this staple grain to make healthy rice recipes such as casserole for kids. Red rice, brown rice, and wild rice are different rice types that are healthier alternatives to white rice. You can use them with other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as seasonal veggies, lean meat, chicken, and dairy products, like curd, to make nutritious and delectable dishes. Serve these dishes to your child across meals to maintain variety and up the overall nutritional value of their diet. Additionally, you could try your hand at pilaf, cauliflower rice, burrito bowl, rice salad, rice soup, and sushi recipes for kids to provide them with delicious, healthy, and versatile rice dishes.
Infographic: Easy Rice Recipes For Children
A diet that includes rice can be beneficial for children’s overall growth and development. Rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and supporting healthy brain function. To help you incorporate rice into your child’s diet, we’ve compiled a list of tasty rice dishes in the infographic below. Take a look and try making one that your little one is sure to enjoy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Rice is a nutritious and versatile food that pairs well with most vegetables.
- Rice can be prepared in various ways to make it appealing for children to consume daily.
- Vegetable Curd Rice, made with yogurt, vegetables, and rice, is a simple dish.
- Other rice recipes include Risotto, Sichuan Fried Rice, Paella, Japanese Rice Balls, and Mango Rice.
Illustration: Top 11 Easy And Healthy Rice Recipes For Kids
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Discover a helpful video with 6 simple lunch recipes for kids, including creative school lunch box ideas. Get inspired and find quick and delicious solutions for your little ones’ midday meals.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Vangi Bath (Eggplant Rice).https://cookingwithmeena.blogspot.com/2013/08/vangi-bath-eggplant-rice.html
References
- What A Pediatrician Would Tell You About Arsenic Rice and Food Safety: Q&A with Dr. Claire Chehrazi.
https://foodinsight.org/what-a-pediatrician-would-tell-you-about-arsenic-rice-and-food-safety-qa-with-dr-claire-chehrazi/ - Energy In: Recommended Food & Drink Amounts for Children.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Energy-In-Recommended-Food-Drink-Amounts-for-Children.aspx
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