Quick and simple comfort food to feed a crowd!
This easy, healthy dish is popular around the world, in many different cuisines. There are so many ways to customize it, with herbs and spices or additions of veggies, cheese, eggs, or other proteins. The options are practically endless. Create it as is, or be inspired by suggestions from Japan, China, South America, Africa, and the U.S.
If you don’t keep rice and corn in your pantry now, maybe you’ll make it a priority once you see how easy this dish is. The remainder of the ingredients are very basic, salt, pepper, oil, and fresh parsley. Fresh parsley is another item to keep handy at all times! It adds freshness to so many dishes, and an extra boost of nutrition, with antioxidants.
You are going to love the simple goodness this dish offers. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners. And the combination of ingredients just goes so well together. This may be the most versatile dish you ever fix, because the corn and rice are like a blank slate, just waiting for you to create according to the items in your pantry… or according to your mood.
Is corn rice healthy?
This is an extremely healthy and filling recipe, featuring whole grains. There’s a reason why rice and corn are staples in many diets around the globe. They are inexpensive and full of nutrients, fiber, minerals, and carbohydrates. This is a naturally gluten-free and vegan dish. Plus, the addition of spices, herbs, vegetables, and proteins can enhance the nutrition profile significantly.
How to customize this recipe?
This recipe can be used as a base for so many options. Starting with herbs, the optional parsley called for in the recipe is a great idea. Chopped chives will also work. Basil, oregano, thyme, and sage in all their varieties will work, too. And lemon thyme and lemongrass will also mix well.
For spices, you can add ingredients from just about any cuisine you can think of. Try cumin, cilantro, and even chili powder for a Southwestern flare. Curry powder, cardamom, or turmeric for an Indian flavor. For a little taste of West Africa, try tomatoes and onions, red peppers, garlic, ginger, and chilis. The Japanese like to use furikake, which is a savory-sweet rice seasoning. It contains sesame seeds, dried fish flakes, and nori seaweed. It can also contain salt, sugar, miso powder, shiitake powder, or chili flakes.
Various cheeses such as Parmesan shredded on top make a nice idea, too. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar will be welcome, or try crispy fried tofu, scrambled eggs, shrimp, salmon, or mild white fish added in, for protein.
How to make ahead and store?
This can be made ahead of time, stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, then reheated in the microwave for a couple of minutes. It can also be fried to reheat. In either case, you may need to add 1/4 cup water or about 3 tablespoons of oil as you heat it back up.
Serving Suggestions
With an added protein on top, such as Miso-Glazed Salmon or Mahi Mahi Kebabs, this could be a main course. A green salad will go well with it.
For proteins and greens together, use this as a base and top it with Spinach Scrambled Eggs. That will be one special brunch dish!
If you enjoyed the ‘blank slate’ nature of this recipe and want to try out some others with infinite customization possibilities, take a look at Fluffy Quinoa, Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, or Sweet Vegan Cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and stir.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the corn kernels on top of the rice without stirring, cover again, and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, gently mixing in the corn. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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