One Ingredient & 3 Recipes: Let's Talk About Rice!

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of rice. It’s simple, humble, and yet it holds such powerful memories and nourishment. In this post, I want to talk about rice not as the "villain" it’s often made out to be in trendy wellness circles — but as the deeply nourishing, versatile, and delicious food it truly is.

Because rice? It raised me. And I still eat it almost every single day.

Rice Is Not the Enemy

Let’s get something out of the way: rice is not unhealthy. It’s a whole, gluten-free, naturally vegan grain that’s been a staple in countless cultures for centuries. Rich in B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, and a steady source of energy, rice is gentle on the gut, satisfying, and — contrary to what you’ve heard — it doesn't cause weight gain when eaten in balanced meals.

In fact, did you know that when rice is cooked and then cooled, it becomes a form of resistant starch? That means it feeds your gut microbiome and acts more like a fiber than a sugar. Pretty amazing, right?

A Bit of (Personal) History

I grew up in a home where rice was on the table every single day. White rice, brown rice, sticky rice… we ate it with vegetables, stews, lentils, sauces, potatoes... you name it. It never felt boring. It felt like home.

Today, as a plant-based eater, I still find myself turning to rice often. It’s grounding. Comforting. And when I’m feeling overwhelmed or nostalgic, nothing brings me back to myself like making something simple with rice.

Remember: cooking rice is an art!

3 Plant-Based Recipes with Rice

(Gluten-free, easy, and soulful!)

1. Crispy Rice & Veggie Patties

Perfect for using leftovers!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 tbsp psyllium husk

• 2 tbsp corn starch

• plant-based milk (close to 2 tbsp)

• Grated carrot

• Chopped parsley or scallion

• Salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic powder to taste

  
  

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients and form patties. Pan-fry in a little oil, or use the Air Fryer, until golden on both sides. Done!

When I was a kid, we used to add cheese, or sugar and coconut into the dough and deep fried it. So delicious.

2. Asian Rice in The Instant Pot

No gluten, no weird additives.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 2 garlic gloves, minced

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 150g tofu, in cubes

• 1 tomato

• 1/2 cup spring onion

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

  
  

Instructions:

Add everything into the Instant Pot (I use THIS at home), choose "Rice" in the settings and just wait. Yes, it's that easy. Serve hot!

3. Choco-Rice Dessert Mousse

Soft, creamy, and rich with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 200 ml coconut cream

• 100g sugar or 70g xylitol

• 150g 70% dark chocolate (melted)

Instructions:

1. Let the cooked rice cool.

2. Add the coconut cream, sugar, and melted chocolate.

3. Blend well and chill for 2+ hours.

4. Serve cold and enjoy!

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Want More Recipes Like These?

Check my vegan & gluten-free cookbook: Easy Plant-Based Cuisine. Inside, you’ll find 50+ nourishing, real-life on the budget recipes created for comfort, ease, and balance — just like these.

📖 Grab your copy here → AMAZON or HOTMART.