A journey of discovery: 10 of the best rice dishes from around the world: Part 2
Welcome back to Part 2: Iconic Rice Dishes Revisited, the concluding chapter of our global culinary adventure. In the first installment, we took your taste buds on a tour from India to the Malay Archipelago, sampling an array of mouthwatering rice creations. Now, fasten your seat belts as we jet off to Africa, the Caribbean, and South America to discover even more tantalizing rice dishes that have stood the test of time.
1. Exploring the Complexity of Jollof Rice: An Iconic Dish Revisited.
Jollof Rice is not just a dish; it’s a cultural icon revisited by every generation in West Africa. Native to Ghana and Nigeria, Jollof Rice is a hearty, spicy dish that uses long grain rice. It is generally served with veggies, meat and other accoutrements like boiled eggs, beans etc. Just like Biryani is a subject of contention across India, people from across West Africa lay claim to the dish. There are message boards and threads where passionate arguments never cease to end. All we know is that we’re grateful this hearty treat exists!
2. Sushi
Sushi is definitely one of the most iconic dishes in world cuisine. Chefs cook sushi rice, a short-grained, sticky variety, with vinegar, salt, and sugar. Originating in Japan, sushi took California and the West coast of the US by storm in the 70s at the height of the surf culture. From here it has gone across the world and become a favourite among people all over.
3. Arroz Chaufa
Imagine a Chinese dish, reimagined with local Peruvian ingredients. Now stop imagining, because Arroz Chaufa is here. Part of the Chifa cuisine, created by Chinese immigrants, Arroz Chaufa is a Peruvian take on a Chinese classic, Fried Rice. At the heart of this version of fried rice, is long-grain Jasmine rice, and ingredients like diced meat, soy sauce, sesame oil, eggs, garlic and bell peppers.
4. Pilaf
Pilaf has been an iconic rice dish originating in the Middle East and there exist numerous versions of it. From Persian Pilaf, to Parsi Wedding Rice, this iteration of the rice dish uses long grained rice like Basmati. It is slow cooked with ghee, saffron, onions and other condiments, before being finished off with vegetable broth. Certain versions of pilaf also incorporate sultanas, certain raisins, and nuts like pistachios and cashews.
5. Kedgeree
Much like Chicken Tikka Masala, the Kedgeree is a uniquely Anglicised take on the Indian Khichdi. While rice and curry powder (or garam masala) are the only 2 Indian origin ingredients of this dish, the rest like hard boiled eggs, poached or fried haddock and dried fruits like sultanas and nuts are all a British innovation. Rumoured to have been brought home by British soldiers returning from Colonial India, this dish is insanely popular among Brits.
As we conclude Part 2 of our Iconic Rice Dishes Revisited series, it’s clear that rice is more than just a staple; it’s a global language of flavor and tradition. From the spicy depths of Jollof Rice in West Africa to the intricate layers of Pilaf in the Middle East, we’ve explored how rice transcends borders and unites cultures. We hope this two-part series has inspired you to broaden your culinary horizons and experiment with these diverse rice dishes from around the world. Until our next food journey, bon appétit!
