Hello Foodie Friends,

September is more than just the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. It’s a month when we celebrate a staple that has fed billions of people for centuries and plays a vital role in the global food supply: rice. National Rice Month is a time to celebrate this humble grain that is a staple food for billions of people around the world. Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of dishes, from simple side dishes to elaborate main courses.

To truly understand the importance of rice, it’s essential to explore its history and the astonishing diversity of this crop:

Rice cultivation dates back thousands of years, with its origins in Asia. China and India were among the first nations to cultivate rice, and the crop quickly spread to other parts of the world.

Today, there are thousands of rice varieties worldwide, each with unique attributes. Long-grain, short-grain, basmati, jasmine, wild rice – the options are limitless.

Beyond its nutritional value, rice holds a special place in the culture and traditions of many countries: In many Asian countries, rice is not just a food but a cultural symbol. It’s an integral part of rituals, celebrations, and everyday life.

Rice is a primary component of numerous traditional dishes, such as paella in Spain, risotto in Italy, biryani in India, and sushi in Japan. These dishes showcase the diversity of ways rice is prepared and enjoyed around the world.

Here are some rice recipes to try and their perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairings:

Classic Fried Rice

This is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Simply stir-fry rice with vegetables, protein, and your favorite seasonings. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavors of fried rice: Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling with its bright acidity and fruity notes (such as apple, pear, and citrus) can balance the savory and sometimes spicy flavors of fried rice. It pairs especially well with dishes like sweet and sour chicken or shrimp fried rice. Chardonnay: A medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of green apple, pear, and a touch of oak complements the richness of the fried rice. It works wonderfully with seafood or chicken fried rice, as well as dishes with creamy sauces. Lager: A crisp and clean lager, such as a pale lager or pilsner, is a versatile choice that pairs well with most fried rice dishes. The beer’s light, refreshing qualities complement the savory flavors of the dish without overwhelming them. Pale Ale: A hoppy pale ale provides a pleasant contrast to the flavors in fried rice, especially if your dish has a moderate level of spiciness. The hops can cut through the richness and spice, enhancing the overall experience. Mai Tai: This classic tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur complements the sweet and savory notes of dishes like pineapple fried rice or teriyaki chicken fried rice. Moscow Mule: The ginger beer and lime juice in a Moscow Mule provide a refreshing contrast to the flavors of fried rice. This pairing works well with vegetable fried rice or seafood-based variations.

Spanish Paella

Paella is a rich and flavorful dish with a combination of various ingredients, including saffron, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavors of Paella: Tempranillo: If you prefer red wine, a young Tempranillo from Spain works well with paella, especially if your paella includes chicken or rabbit. It has red fruit flavors and a hint of spice that complements the dish’s richness. Verdejo: Another Spanish white, Verdejo, offers a pleasant combination of citrus and green fruit flavors, along with herbal notes. It pairs well with a variety of paella styles, particularly those featuring seafood or a mix of proteins. Spanish Lager: A Spanish lager can be an excellent choice. These beers are light, crisp, and slightly bitter, which complements the flavors of paella without overpowering them. They are a traditional and popular choice in Spain for pairing with paella. Wheat Beer: A wheat beer with its fruity and slightly spicy notes, can be a refreshing pairing with paella. The beer’s citrusy and herbal elements can complement the variety of flavors in the dish. Sangria: Sangria is a classic choice and a natural pairing with Spanish cuisine. Its fruity and slightly sweet character, combined with red or white wine and a mix of fruits, complements the vibrant flavors of paella. Classic Margarita: The zesty and tangy flavors of a Classic Margarita pair well with paella, particularly when your dish has a touch of spice. The cocktail’s citrusy notes can balance the flavors of the dish.

Risotto

This Italian dish is made with rice, broth, cheese, and wine. It is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavors of Risotto: Chardonnay: A classic choice, Chardonnay with its buttery and oaky notes complements the creaminess of risotto beautifully. It pairs well with risottos that feature seafood, poultry, or mushrooms. Sauvignon Blanc: this wine offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the richness of risotto. Its citrusy and herbal notes make it an excellent match for seafood or vegetable risottos. Wheat Beer: A wheat beer is a great choice. Its fruity and slightly spicy notes, along with a refreshing wheat base, can complement the creamy texture of risotto and pair well with vegetable or seafood variations.

Pilsner: A crisp and clean pilsner offers a balanced pairing with risotto. Its light maltiness and subtle hop bitterness can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, making it versatile for different risotto styles. Negroni: The bittersweet and herbal elements of a Negroni offer a robust contrast to the creamy texture of risotto. This cocktail pairs well with mushroom or spinach risottos. Classic Martini: A classic Martini, whether gin or vodka-based, is an elegant choice. Its crisp and dry character can balance the creamy richness of the risotto, making it a classic and sophisticated pairing.

Arroz con Pollo

This Puerto Rican dish is made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavors of Arroz con pollo: Rioja: A Tempranillo-based Rioja wine complements the dish’s flavors, especially when the dish includes both chicken and chorizo. The wine’s red fruit notes and moderate tannins provide a robust pairing. Rosé: A dry and fruity rosé, such as a Spanish Rosado, can provide a refreshing and balanced contrast to the arroz con pollo flavors, making it a versatile pairing option. Light Lager: A light lager, such as a Mexican-style lager, complements arroz con pollo well. Its crisp and refreshing profile provides a great balance to the dish’s flavors without overwhelming them. Wheat Beer: A wheat beer offers a slightly fruity and slightly spicy character that can harmonize with the dish’s spices and add a refreshing contrast to the savory notes. Cuban Cocktails: Cuban-inspired cocktails like the Cuba Libre (rum and cola with lime) or the classic Daiquiri can provide a vibrant and lively pairing. Mojito: The refreshing and citrusy notes of a Mojito, along with the mint and a touch of sweetness, complement the spices and herbs in arroz con pollo.

Sushi

This Japanese dish is made with rice, vegetables, seafood, and seaweed. It is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for a light meal. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavors of Sushi: Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its vibrant acidity and citrus notes complements the clean and fresh flavors of sushi, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of sushi styles. Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling can be a wonderful pairing with sushi, especially if the sushi includes spicy or soy sauce-based elements. The wine’s sweetness balances the heat and saltiness. IPA (India Pale Ale): If you enjoy hoppy beers, consider a citrusy and moderately hopped IPA to complement the flavors of spicy sushi rolls or rolls with rich ingredients like eel or smoked fish. Pilsner: A pilsner with its crisp and refreshing nature can be an excellent pairing for sushi, offering a clean and balanced contrast to the flavors. Sake: To keep the experience authentic and simple, you can’t go wrong with a glass of high-quality sake. The clean and crisp flavor profile of sake complements the subtlety of sushi, particularly sashimi and lighter fish. Gin and Tonic: The botanicals and citrus notes in a Gin and Tonic can provide a refreshing and crisp contrast to the clean and fresh flavors of sushi, making it a classic and versatile pairing.

National Rice Month is a time to celebrate the versatility, sustainability and deliciousness of this ancient grain. Rice is more than just a staple food for billions of people around the world. It is also a source of livelihood, culture and nutrition. Rice farmers work hard to produce high-quality crops that feed our families and support our communities. Rice is also good for the environment, as it helps conserve water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide habitat for wildlife. Rice is truly a wonder food that deserves our appreciation and recognition. Happy National Rice Month!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise