Rice is a global pantry staple, celebrated for its versatility, affordability, and ease of cooking. From fluffy white rice to fragrant jasmine and nutty brown rice, this grain provides the perfect blank canvas for a myriad of flavors and cuisines. Whether you’re planning a simple weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, rice is an invaluable base to build upon.
But sometimes, the question arises: what exactly should you serve with rice to create a truly satisfying and delicious meal? If you’re looking to move beyond plain rice and explore exciting culinary pairings, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide is packed with over 50 inspiring ideas on What To Serve With Rice, focusing on budget-friendly and protein-rich options that are both healthy and flavorful. We’ll explore a diverse range of dishes featuring lentils, tofu, beans, tempeh, and chickpeas – proving that delicious, plant-based meals can be both economical and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, get ready to discover a world of exciting pairings that will transform your humble rice into the star of the plate. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need fresh inspiration for your meal plan!
Collage of budget-friendly recipes made with white rice.
Unleashing Flavor with Lentils: Rice’s Versatile Partner
Lentils are nutritional powerhouses and incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic protein source to serve with rice. They are budget-friendly, packed with fiber and protein, and absorb flavors beautifully. From hearty stews to flavorful curries, lentils and rice are a match made in culinary heaven.
Lentil curry served with white rice, fresh lemon and cilantro.
A bowl of rich lentil curry, beautifully presented with a side of fluffy white rice, a wedge of lemon, and fresh cilantro.
1. The Best Lentil Curry
Dive into the aromatic world of Indian cuisine with a flavorful lentil curry. This dish is a comforting blend of spices, lentils, and often vegetables like tomatoes and spinach, simmered to perfection. Served over a bed of steaming white rice, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free friendly.
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2. Creamy Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff
For a vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food, try Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff. This creamy and savory dish features lentils and mushrooms in a rich, tangy sauce, perfectly mimicking the traditional beef stroganoff. Serve it over rice for a comforting and wholesome meal.
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Hearty and flavorful vegan Lentil Fesenjān (Pomegranate Walnut Stew) served, a Persian-inspired dish.
A close-up shot of vegan Lentil Fesenjān, showcasing its deep, rich color and hearty texture, alongside suggested pairings.
3. Vegan Lentil Fesenjān (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)
Explore Persian flavors with Vegan Lentil Fesenjān. This unique stew combines lentils with the rich flavors of toasted walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses. The complex and comforting flavors are beautifully enhanced when served with fluffy white rice, making it a truly special plant-based meal.
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4. Simple and Flavorful Lebanese Mujadara
Experience the simplicity and deliciousness of Lebanese Mujadara. This Middle Eastern dish is made with just lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. The earthy lentils and sweet onions create a wonderful flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a protein-rich, vegan meal that’s incredibly easy to make.
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Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls, a vibrant and zesty vegan dinner idea.
A colorful image of Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls, highlighting the fresh vegetables and zesty soyrizo.
5. Zesty Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls
Spice up your rice bowl with Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls. These bowls are packed with vegetables, zesty soyrizo (vegan chorizo), and flavorful lentils cooked in broth. Served over rice, they offer a vibrant and satisfying vegan dinner option with a delightful kick.
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6. Meal-Prep Friendly Lentil Balls with Zesty Rice
For a fun and flavorful meal prep option, try Lentil Balls with Zesty Rice. These lentil balls are seasoned to perfection and paired with a zesty rice, creating a versatile and make-ahead friendly dish. They are perfect for lunchboxes or a quick and easy dinner.
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Creamy Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk, a comforting one-pot vegan dish.
A bowl of creamy red lentil dahl with coconut milk, showcasing its rich texture and vibrant color.
7. Creamy Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk. This one-pot dish is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. The lentils are simmered in coconut milk with aromatic spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with rice and fresh herbs.
8. Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant
Elevate your rice bowl with Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant. This dish features baked eggplant filled with flavorful Moroccan-spiced lentils. The combination of tender eggplant and savory lentils is both satisfying and nutritious, perfect served alongside a portion of fluffy rice.
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The Best Lentil Salad, a vibrant and healthy salad option.
A bright and inviting image of The Best Lentil Salad, highlighting its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors.
9. The Best Lentil Salad (Served with Rice for a Meal)
While lentil salad is often enjoyed on its own, it can be transformed into a complete meal when served with rice. This lentil salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, making it a healthy and refreshing option. Spoon it over rice for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
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10. Hearty and Warming Lentil Chili
On a chilly day, nothing beats a bowl of Lentil Chili. This hearty, one-pot vegan chili is packed with red lentils, black beans, walnuts, vegetables, and smoky spices. Serve it over rice and top with your favorite chili toppings for a comforting and warming meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
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Tofu Takes Center Stage: Versatile Rice Bowl Companions
Tofu, known for its mild flavor and incredible texture versatility, is a blank slate ready to absorb any flavors you throw its way. Whether it’s crispy fried, baked, or simmered in a sauce, tofu pairs exceptionally well with rice, offering a protein-packed and satisfying base for countless dishes.
Tofu Fried Rice Recipe, a quick and easy weeknight meal.
A tempting close-up of Tofu Fried Rice, showcasing the golden-brown tofu and colorful vegetables.
11. Classic and Customizable Tofu Fried Rice
A timeless classic, Tofu Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and endlessly customizable meal. Stir-fried rice with crispy tofu, vegetables, and savory seasonings is a weeknight winner. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, and you can easily adapt it to your favorite flavors.
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12. Creamy and Spiced Tofu Palak Paneer (Vegan)
Enjoy a vegan twist on a popular Indian dish with Tofu Palak Paneer. In this recipe, tofu replaces paneer (cheese) in a creamy spinach curry. Spiced pan-fried tofu is simmered in a rich spinach sauce and served over rice for a flavorful and satisfying Indian-inspired meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
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Sticky Vegan Orange Chicken by Home-Cooked Roots, a healthier take on takeout.
A delicious plate of Sticky Vegan Orange Chicken, glistening with sauce and garnished with sesame seeds.
13. Sticky Vegan Orange Chicken (with Crispy Tofu)
Craving takeout but want a healthier option? Sticky Vegan Orange Chicken is the answer. Crispy tofu is coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s packed with flavor. Served over white rice, it’s a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional orange chicken, perfect for a weeknight treat.
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14. Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
For a simple yet flavorful meal, try Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu. Baking tofu until crispy and then coating it in teriyaki sauce creates a delicious and healthier alternative to takeout teriyaki chicken. Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete and scrumptious vegan meal.
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Copycat Chipotle Sofritas Recipe, a smoky and flavorful tofu dish.
A close-up shot of Copycat Chipotle Sofritas, highlighting the shredded tofu and rich, smoky sauce.
15. Copycat Chipotle Sofritas for Rice Bowls
Bring the flavors of Chipotle home with Copycat Chipotle Sofritas. This recipe replicates the restaurant’s popular sofritas, featuring shredded tofu simmered in a smoky and flavorful sauce. Pile it high on a bed of rice for a delicious and budget-friendly rice bowl that’s even better than takeout.
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16. Zesty Crispy Lemon Pepper Tofu
Add a burst of flavor to your rice bowl with Crispy Lemon Pepper Tofu. This tofu is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and coated in a zesty lemon pepper sauce. It’s quick to make and incredibly versatile – perfect for rice bowls, salads, wraps, and more.
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Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl by Home-Cooked Roots, a flavorful and healthy deconstructed egg roll.
Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl served in a ceramic bowl with chopsticks, showcasing its vibrant vegetables and tofu.
17. Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl for a Hearty Meal
Enjoy the flavors of an egg roll without the hassle of frying with Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl. This dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and firm tofu in a flavorful sauce. Served over white rice, it transforms into a hearty and nutritious dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with veggies.
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18. Flavor-Packed Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry. Crispy fried tofu and meaty mushrooms are tossed in a delicious stir-fry sauce, creating a flavor-packed dinner that comes together in minutes. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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30 Minute Crispy Peanut Tofu by Home-Cooked Roots, a fast and flavorful meal option.
Crispy Peanut Tofu served in a blue bowl with brown rice, green onions, a lime wedge, and chopsticks, highlighting its peanut sauce coating.
19. 30 Minute Crispy Peanut Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Ready in just 30 minutes, Crispy Peanut Tofu is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Air-fried tofu is tossed in a quick and easy vegan peanut sauce, creating a dish that’s both crispy and creamy. Serve it over rice for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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20. Better Than Takeout General Tso’s Tofu
Skip the takeout and make General Tso’s Tofu at home. This dish features sticky, saucy, and flavorful tofu that’s way better than restaurant versions. It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with white rice and your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Beans: Budget-Friendly and Hearty Rice Pairings
Beans are another budget-friendly protein powerhouse that pairs wonderfully with rice. They are incredibly versatile and come in a wide variety, each offering unique flavors and textures. From black beans to kidney beans and white beans, they are perfect for creating hearty stews, flavorful bowls, and comforting casseroles to serve alongside rice.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegetarian) by Home-Cooked Roots, a flavorful and satisfying dish.
A comforting bowl of Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice, garnished with green onions and black pepper, served with fluffy white rice.
21. Flavorful Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegetarian)
Bring the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice. This vegetarian version is loaded with vegan sausage and tons of flavor. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to cook the beans to creamy perfection. Serve it over white rice for a plant protein-heavy meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
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22. Cuban-Inspired Black Beans and Rice with Plantains
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with Cuban Black Beans and Rice. Black beans are simmered with cumin and lime, creating a flavorful and aromatic base. Served over rice with pan-fried plantains, this dish is a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
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23. Easy Dump-and-Bake Salsa Verde & White Bean Casserole
For a fuss-free meal, try Salsa Verde & White Bean Casserole. This dump-and-bake casserole is packed with vegetables and white beans in a flavorful salsa verde sauce. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and is a cozy, veggie-packed main dish that pairs perfectly with a side of rice.
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24. Savory Italian Beans & Rice with Vegan Sausage
Combine Italian flavors with beans and rice in this Savory Italian Beans & Rice dish. Vegan sausage, vegetables, and white beans are simmered together to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve it over white or brown rice for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
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Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, a healthy and flavorful meal option.
Colorful Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, filled with rice, beans, and vegetables, ready to be served.
25. Healthy and Flavorful Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are a healthy and flavorful meal option that’s packed with rice, beans, and vegetables. Bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture and baked until tender. Serve them alongside extra rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
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26. BBQ Bean Bowl with Corn and Coleslaw
Enjoy a summery BBQ Bean Bowl with Corn and Coleslaw. This vegan bowl features smoky BBQ baked beans, creamy coleslaw, and grilled corn or cornbread. Adding a serving of fluffy white rice makes it a more substantial and hearty meal, perfect for summer gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.
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Easy Three Bean Salad, a refreshing and fiber-packed side dish or meal.
A vibrant and colorful Easy Three Bean Salad, showcasing its mix of beans and fresh herbs.
27. Easy Three Bean Salad (Served with Rice for a Meal)
Three Bean Salad is a classic side dish that can easily be transformed into a meal when served with rice. This salad is packed with fiber and flavor, making it a healthy and refreshing option. Spoon it over fluffy white rice for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, especially during warmer months.
28. Comforting Vegan Black Bean Stew
Warm up with a bowl of Vegan Black Bean Stew. This easy stew is perfect for fall and winter, offering comforting flavors and plant-based nutrients. Serve it over rice for a simple, filling, and nourishing meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
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One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice, a flavorful and easy cleanup meal.
A vibrant image of One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice, highlighting its colorful vegetables and rice texture.
29. One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice
Simplify your mealtime with One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice. This flavorful dish is ready in just 30 minutes and requires only one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Packed with southwest flavors and plant-based goodness, it’s a win-win for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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30. New Orleans-Style Vegan Gumbo Recipe
Experience the rich and flavorful taste of New Orleans with Vegan Gumbo. Made with the holy trinity of flavor bases and vegan sausage, this gumbo is a true taste of Louisiana. Serve it over white rice for an authentic and comforting meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Tempeh: A Protein-Rich and Flavorful Rice Bowl Star
Tempeh, a fermented soybean cake, offers a firm texture and nutty flavor that makes it a fantastic addition to rice bowls. It’s a great source of protein and can be marinated, stir-fried, baked, or crumbled, absorbing flavors beautifully and adding a satisfying chewiness to any dish.
31. Flavor-Packed Vegan Tempeh Burrito Bowls
Create vibrant and flavorful Vegan Tempeh Burrito Bowls. These bowls feature tempeh taco meat and a copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice for a healthy and satisfying meal. The tempeh taco meat is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with the cauliflower rice and your favorite burrito bowl toppings.
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32. Convenient Tempeh Chili Meal Prep
Prepare for the week ahead with Tempeh Chili Meal Prep. This vegan chili is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Serve it over rice for a hearty and flavorful meal that you can easily grab and go.
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Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce (Vegan), a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce, showcasing the glossy sauce and stir-fried vegetables.
33. Flavorful Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce. This stir-fry is ready in just 35 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight meal. The peanut ginger sauce is incredibly flavorful and coats the tempeh and vegetables beautifully. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
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34. BBQ Tempeh Bowls with Garlic Herb Rice
Elevate your rice bowl game with BBQ Tempeh Bowls with Garlic Herb Rice. These bowls are loaded with flavor-packed garlic herb rice, corn, tomatoes, greens, crispy tempeh, and vegan dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
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Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet, a one-pot vegan dinner recipe.
Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet, showcasing its one-pot convenience and enchilada flavors.
35. Easy One-Pot Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet
Simplify dinner with Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet. This one-pot vegan dinner recipe is packed with vegetables, flavor-packed rice, and crispy tempeh. It’s easy to make and clean up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
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36. Rich and Flavorful Peanut & Lemongrass Tempeh Satay
Explore Thai and Indonesian flavors with Peanut & Lemongrass Tempeh Satay. This tempeh satay is incredibly flavorful, infused with lemongrass, turmeric, peanut butter, and coconut aminos. Serve it over white rice, on salads, in wraps, or as an appetizer for a versatile and delicious dish.
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Tempeh Kecap, an Indonesian stir-fry with unique flavors.
Tempeh Kecap, highlighting its sticky, sweet, and umami-rich sauce and fried tempeh.
37. Unique and Gourmet Tempeh Kecap
Discover the unique flavors of Indonesian cuisine with Tempeh Kecap. Fried tempeh and peanuts are coated in a sticky, sweet, and umami-rich sauce perfumed with lime leaves and lemongrass. It’s a gourmet stir-fry that’s surprisingly easy to make and pairs wonderfully with white rice.
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38. Creamy Vegan Tempeh Marsala (Italian Inspired)
Enjoy an Italian-inspired twist with Vegan Tempeh Marsala. This creamy and satisfying dish is filled with mouthwatering flavor. Serve it over white rice instead of pasta for a unique and delicious take on the Italian classic.
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Fall Favorite Maple-Mustard Tempeh Bowls, a hearty and seasonal meal.
Fall Favorite Maple-Mustard Tempeh Bowls, showcasing its colorful ingredients and hearty composition.
39. Hearty Fall Favorite Maple-Mustard Tempeh Bowls
Embrace fall flavors with Maple-Mustard Tempeh Bowls. These bowls are a true fall favorite, featuring massaged kale, sweet potatoes, roasty marinated maple-mustard tempeh, crunchy apple, and sauerkraut. Serve over white rice for a full and hearty vegan main that’s perfect for the season.
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40. Quick and Easy Sesame Tempeh Bowls
For a fast and flavorful meal, try Sesame Tempeh Bowls. These bowls are a great vegan alternative to sesame chicken and only take about 20 minutes to make. They are an easy and fast vegan meal prep option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Chickpeas: Versatile and Nutritious Rice Bowl Fillers
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. Their slightly nutty flavor and satisfying texture make them a wonderful addition to rice dishes. From curries and stews to stir-fries and casseroles, chickpeas are a fantastic plant-based protein to pair with rice.
41. Creamy Vegan Butter Chicken with Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Enjoy a vegan take on a beloved Indian dish with Vegan Butter Chicken with Cauliflower and Chickpeas. This non-traditional version is just as creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor as the original. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight recipe to serve over rice.
42. 20-Minute Miso Veggie Stir-Fry
For a quick and healthy meal, try 20-minute Miso Veggie Stir-Fry. This recipe is described as healthy Asian comfort food and takes less than 20 minutes to whip together with only 10 ingredients. Serve it over rice for a fast, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
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Tomato Braised Chickpeas, a simple and flavorful one-pot vegan dinner.
Tomato Braised Chickpeas, showcasing its rich tomato sauce and tender chickpeas in a pot.
43. Simple and Flavorful Tomato Braised Chickpeas
Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Tomato Braised Chickpeas. These chickpeas are made in one pot with just a few ingredients and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Serve them with crusty bread or over rice for an easy and satisfying vegan dinner.
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44. Creamy and Spiced Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan)
Indulge in the creamy and spiced flavors of Chickpea Tikka Masala. Tender chickpeas are cooked in a spicy cream sauce made with coconut milk and rich tomato sauce. Serve it over rice for a comforting and flavorful vegan meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
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Lemony Chickpea Soup, a light and bright meal option.
Lemony Chickpea Soup, highlighting its bright and fresh appearance with lemon and herbs.
45. Refreshing and Bright Lemony Chickpea Soup (with Rice for Heartiness)
Lemony Chickpea Soup is a light and bright meal perfect for spring. Made with chickpeas, dill, lemon juice, spinach, and a creamy chickpea puree, it’s both refreshing and flavorful. Serve it over white rice for a more filling and hearty dish, transforming it into a satisfying meal.
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46. Dreamy Marry Me Chickpeas in Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Fall in love with Marry Me Chickpeas. This one-pan recipe combines canned chickpeas with a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Scoop up every bite with crusty bread or serve over white rice for unforgettable comforting bites that are sure to impress.
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Chickpea Curry Casserole (Dump & Bake), an easy and flavorful casserole.
Chickpea Curry Casserole, showcasing its hearty and flavorful ingredients in a casserole dish.
47. Easy Chickpea Curry Casserole (Dump & Bake)
Simplify dinner with Chickpea Curry Casserole. This dump-and-bake casserole requires just 15 minutes of prep and uses simple pantry staple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor and is perfect served over rice for a complete and easy meal.
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48. Warming 1-Pot Chickpea Curry (Vindaloo-Inspired)
Warm up with Warming 1-Pot Chickpea Curry. This easy curry is inspired by Vindaloo and features tomatoes, red bell pepper, and warming spices. It’s a comforting, plant-based meal perfect for meal prep or weeknights. Serve it over rice for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
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49. Creamy Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry
Make dinner a breeze with Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry. This one-pot creamy vegan curry is made with pantry ingredients and cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. Serve it with pot-in-pot brown rice for a complete and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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50. Rich and Hearty Thai Yellow Curry
Experience the rich and hearty flavors of Thai Yellow Curry. This curry is loaded with plant-based protein, hearty potatoes, lemongrass, yellow curry paste, and coconut cream. Serve it with jasmine rice, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime juice for an ultra-rich and flavorful dinner that will transport you to Thailand.
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Bonus: Extra Veggies for Simple Rice Bowls
Beyond protein-focused dishes, rice is also a fantastic base for simple vegetable-centric meals. Stir-fried vegetables, roasted vegetables, or even a flavorful vegetable pilaf can be delicious and healthy options to serve with rice.
Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower by Home-Cooked Roots, a tangy and spicy vegan dish.
Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower, showcasing its glossy sauce and vibrant cauliflower florets.
51. Tangy and Spicy Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower
Add a kick to your rice bowl with Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower. This takeout-inspired dish is tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet. Crispy cauliflower is tossed in a flavorful Kung Pao sauce, creating a delicious, simple, and gluten-free weeknight meal that’s perfect served over rice.
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52. Flavorful and Healthy Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish or light meal with Vegetable Rice Pilaf. This pilaf is packed with nutrition, flavor, and fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Serve it as a side dish or as a light main course with a simple salad.
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Elevate Your Rice Bowl Experience
From protein-packed legumes and tofu to flavorful vegetables and aromatic spices, the possibilities for what to serve with rice are truly endless. Rice’s neutral flavor and versatile texture make it the perfect foundation for countless cuisines and dishes.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook with rice, remember this guide and explore the diverse and delicious options available. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly meals, plant-based protein sources, or simply new culinary inspiration, rice is ready to be transformed into a satisfying and exciting meal. Enjoy!
