Potatoes and rice are two versatile ingredients that can be paired with almost everything to make delicious and wholesome meals. Easy-to-cook and quick-to-make, they are popular choices for sides and main course dishes. Use the tips on potato recipes and rice recipes to cook them to perfection and serve tasty food.

Tips on Potato Recipes

There are different types of potatoes and they are used in different ways. However they are all prepared for cooking in the same way. Always wash the potatoes under cold running water and scrub to remove dirt before cooking. Peel the skin carefully as most of the nutrients are concentrated just below the skin and remove any blemishes or green spots. You can also use the potato with the skin while roasting or grilling them. This lends a nice crispy texture to the potato. To prevent browning, soak the potatoes in cold water till you are ready to use them.

Potatoes make delicious sides and complement everything they are served with. Use a potato ricer or a potato masher for smoothly mashed potatoes. You can add cream and herbs to this for a delicious twist. Grilled or roasted potatoes are best made with the skin on. Simply brush a little butter or oil on them before cooking. While baking potatoes or cooking them in a microwave, poke the potatoes with a fork so they cook faster. New potatoes can be cooked with their skins for a crispy and tasty treat. For the best fried potatoes, parboil them and deep fry twice. Use these tips on potato recipes to make instant treats.

Tips on Rice Recipes

Well-cooked and fluffy rice can make delicious and wholesome meals. To make rice, rinse and drain rice in a sieve. Long grained rice takes a little time to cook, soak it in cold water before cooking. Transfer the rice to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer, covered over medium heat till the rice is cooked and all the water absorbs. You can also drain the excess water if needed. For richer and creamier rice, cook it in coconut milk and add cooked beans or tofu for a delicious treat.

Rice recipes can be as simple as stir frying cooked rice in a little oil, cilantro and lime. These recipes make easy and wonderful sides to curries and other main course dishes. You can stir fry rice with spices of your choice and vegetables for a complete meal. Eggs and shredded cooked chicken are common additions to rice dishes. With these tips and ideas, you can make quick meals with ease.