A traditional Asian rice bowl does not necessarily need other ingredients.
Many picky eaters enjoy foods presented in a colorful, visually interesting manner. While plain rice seems dull and bland to many kids, rice proves a versatile ingredient, and creative parents can easily create an exciting rice bowl their kids will love. Some rice bowl ideas draw from Asian culture, while others use ingredients commonly seen in American cuisine.
Culture of the Rice Bowl
Rice holds a key place in many dietary cultures, especially in Asian countries like Japan. "Gohan," the Japanese term for ready-to-eat rice, translates literally into "honorable food," and rice appears in "bento boxes" -- Japanese lunch boxes -- as well as in many other forms. Japanese dinners have bowls used specifically for rice. These bowls can have plain colors, elegant designs or cute pictures for kids like rabbits and birds.
Benefits
Parents can use rice bowls to introduce their kids to various cultural cuisines at an early age while promoting healthy, affordable eating. The versatility of rice bowls allows for the addition of various meats, vegetables and sauces. Additionally, parents can buy cute bowls to designate as their kids' rice bowls, making the experience more fun.
Asian-Themed Ideas
Layer short-grain white rice with broccoli, carrots, red peppers, green onions and bean sprouts. Top the mixture with chicken, beef or pork and season with teriyaki or soy sauce.
Alternatively, layer short-grain white rice with green peppers, red peppers and pineapples. Top this mixture with chicken and serve with sweet-and-sour sauce.
Other Ethnic Ideas
For a Greek-themed bowl, layer white or brown rice with spinach, black olives and tomatoes before topping the mix with chicken or shrimp. Garnish the bowl with feta cheese crumbles or lemon herb sauce.
Layer diced tomatoes, green onions and green peppers with scrambled eggs and a Mexican rice blend for a Mexican-themed huevos breakfast bowl.
Create an Indian-themed bowl using brown or basmati rice, green peppers, red peppers and chickpeas. Add shrimp or chicken and top with curry sauce or mango chutney.
Regional American Ideas
Top white or brown rice with peppers, onions, corn and grilled chicken to create a Southwest fajita bowl. Add shredded cheese and salsa.
For a Cajun-themed bowl, mix white or brown rice with celery, onions, peppers and popcorn shrimp. Garnish the bowl with chopped tomatoes.
Add corn, tomatoes, beans and pulled pork to white or brown rice to form a basic Southern barbecue bowl, topped with your favorite barbecue sauce and diced onions.
Contemporary American Ideas
Top white or brown rice with onions, mushrooms, shredded cheese and crumbled ground beef to create a cheeseburger rice bowl. Garnish with pickle relish.
Create a pizza bowl by adding mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and sausage crumbles to white rice. Top with tomato sauce.
For a roasted turkey bowl, mix white or brown rice with onions and roasted turkey strips. Top with turkey gravy or cranberries.
Tags: rice with, brown rice, white brown, white brown rice, brown rice with, green peppers, rice bowl
