Crispy Rice and Potato Cutlets
One of the easiest ways to repurpose leftover rice is by turning it into satisfying cutlets or patties. The key is to combine the cooked rice with a binding agent like mashed potatoes. Start by mixing a cup of leftover rice with one large boiled and mashed potato.
To this, add finely chopped onions, ginger, green chillies, and fresh coriander. For seasoning, a mix of common Indian spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, and chaat masala works wonders. Combine everything well, shape the mixture into flat, round patties, and then pan-fry or shallow-fry them until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. These cutlets are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, making for a perfect tea-time snack.
Savoury Rice Pakoras or Fritters
For an irresistibly crunchy snack, turn your leftover rice into pakoras, also known as fritters. The method is simple: take your leftover rice and mash it slightly. Mix in gram flour (besan) which acts as the binder, along with some yoghurt for a slight tang. Flavour the mixture with chopped onions, green chillies, ginger, and a handful of fresh coriander. Add spices like cumin, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into medium-hot oil and fry until they are deep golden brown and crunchy. These fritters are a fantastic way to use up even small amounts of rice and can be customised with whatever spices you have on hand.
Quick Arancini-Style Rice Balls
Arancini, or Italian stuffed rice balls, might sound fancy, but a simplified version can be made at home with leftovers. Traditionally made with risotto, any sticky leftover rice will work. To make these, take a handful of cold, cooked rice, flatten it in your palm, and place a small cube of mozzarella or any melting cheese in the center. Form the rice around the cheese, creating a tight ball. For a crispy coating, you can set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs before frying in hot oil until golden brown. The result is a deliciously gooey, cheesy centre encased in a crunchy rice shell.
Simple Savoury Rice Pancakes
Another creative option is to make savoury rice pancakes. These come together quickly and are perfect for a quick breakfast or light lunch. Combine your leftover rice in a bowl with a beaten egg, which will act as the binder. Add finely chopped spring onions, grated carrots, or any other finely chopped vegetable you have in your pantry. For flavour, mix in some salt, pepper, and perhaps a little garlic powder or parmesan cheese. Heat some oil or butter in a frying pan, place spoonfuls of the mixture, and flatten them into pancake shapes. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. These are delicious served on their own or with a simple dipping sauce.
The Ultimate 'Clean-Out-The-Fridge' Fried Rice
Of course, no list about leftover rice is complete without mentioning fried rice. It’s the ultimate dish for using up not just rice but also any lingering vegetables in your fridge. For a vegetarian version, start by sautéing aromatics like minced garlic and sliced scallions in a hot pan. Add any chopped vegetables you have—broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and peas all work well. Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, add the cold leftover rice, breaking up any clumps. Day-old rice is actually preferable as it's drier and fries better. Add soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for that classic flavour. You can also push the rice to one side of the pan and scramble an egg for extra protein before mixing it all together.
