Holiday Brown Rice Recipes

With the holiday season in full swing, we're sharing brown rice recipes to feature at any of your celebrations - Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yaldā Night, and New Year's. Brown rice is a gluten-free grain rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Because it's less processed and contains more fiber than white rice, it's a healthier choice for your table, particularly for those with diabetes. Try one of these festive brown rice recipes this holiday season.

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Veggie Fried Rice – Hanukkah

This veggie fried rice is the perfect way to celebrate the miracle of the oil never running out during Hanukkah. It's a kid-friendly recipe, so bring the kids into the kitchen to prepare the meal together as a family.

75% water-fiber foods – brown rice, mushrooms, ginger, garlic, peas, carrots, onions
25% foods – oil, eggs

Jeweled Persian Rice – Yaldā Night

Use brown jasmine rice for a healthier version of this festive dish and bring it to your next Yaldā Night celebration. Make sure to surround this dish with lots of 75% water-fiber foods.

75% water-fiber foods – brown rice, lemon, pomegranate seeds
25% foods – white rice, pistachios, almonds, dried figs, dried apricots, dried cherries, coconut oil

Recipe Note: Choose oil instead of butter for a healthier fat choice.

Cranberry-Pear Rice Pilaf – Christmas

This colorful dish is an excellent gluten-free option for Christmas dinner.

75% water-fiber foods – brown rice, onion, pear, spinach
25% foods – butter, dried cranberries, pecans, pear juice

Jollof Rice Bowl – Kawanza

Make a large batch of Jollof rice and have your family celebrate creativity by building their own bowl during Kawanza week.

75% water-fiber foods – onion, garlic, bonnet pepper, red pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato puree, brown rice, cucumber, black-eyed peas, corn
25% foods – oil, fish/chicken/tempeh/tofu   

Hoppin' John – New Years

An ideal meal to bring in good fortune and health for the New Year.

75% water-fiber foods – black-eyed peas, onion, turnips, celery, jalapeños, garlic, turnip greens, brown rice, scallions
25% foods – white rice, oil, optional ham hock

Recipe Note: Use brown rice instead of white to make room for other 25% items on your plate.