While rice is a very versatile carbohydrate and can handle strong flavours, children in general tend to prefer the plain white variety.  It is not the easiest of foods to cook either, as too much water can make it soft and mushy, while too little water can leave it raw and grainy. Because of it’s starchy consistency it also has a tendency to burn if not watched.

Therefore, this is not an ideal food to cook with children.

However, if rice is cooked beforehand and used later, you can make a variety of simple fried rice dishes, like egg fried rice, to which you can add mixed vegetables and cooked meats.   Sushi, rice and curry, along with risotto, and even rice pudding can be served as part of themed meals if children are learning about foods from around the world.

Easy Egg Fried Rice

Serves 4  Cooking and prep time: 50 mins Ingredients 1 egg 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tbp vegetable oil (alternatively use sunflower or olive oil) 200g/7oz cooked long grain rice…

Sushi for kids

Serves 8   Cook and Prep time: 45 minutes Ingredients 1.5 cups of sushi rice* 1.5 cups of cold water 2 tbp rice wine vinegar 1 tbp caster sugar 4 nori…

Basic Risotto

Serves 4  Cooking and prep time: 50 minutes Ingredients 300g Risotto rice 1 small onion 1 litre of vegetable stock Olive oil 1 tsp butter 100g frozen peas (optional, add…

Easy Chicken Pilau

Serves 2  Cooking and prep time: 30 minutes Ingredients 2 large boneless chicken thighs cut into small chunks 1 small onion chopped Sunflower oil 3 tsp curry paste of own…

Best Rice accompaniment

Serves 4  Cooking and prep time: 25 minutes Ingredients 1 cup of long grain rice 2 cups of water 1tsp salt Method Use a pan with a good fitting lid…