5 tasty and healthy alternatives to rice

It’s no surprise that rice has been flying off the shelves at the supermarket lately as it’s one of the most sought after staples. But as it gets harder and harder to get your hands on a packet, it might be time to explore some of the popular rice alternatives.

With less carbs and more nutrients, many of these options are actually healthier than the classic staple, and – better yet – they often taste just as good! Try them in curries, salads and even some pasta dishes! Enjoy!

Cous Cous

These tiny pieces of goodness might look like grains but surprisingly they’re actually small pasta pieces. Cous cous works perfectly in tagines, casseroles, salads and braised meat recipes. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a different and even slightly creamier texture than rice!

Quinoa

This new age health food caught the public’s eye a few years back when dieticians decided it was the best thing since sliced bread. But now that the hype has died down, quinoa is fairly easy to get your hands on and is packed full of health-boosting amino acids. It tastes delicious in everything from soups and stews, to cakes and pastries, making it one of the most versatile and helpful foods to have in your pantry!

Wholemeal pasta

While pasta is a great alternative to rice, the downside is that pasta has become extremely difficult to get your hands on as well. However, you may notice that the wholemeal versions are still there. The flavour isn’t exactly the same as normal pasta, however the health benefits are incredibly high, and, just like wholemeal bread, after a while you just can’t help but enjoy it more than the white version!

Zucchini ribbons

This option is not only great for your health, but a super cheap alternative that you can make in your own kitchen. All you need to do is buy some zucchinis, shred them finely with a peeler and you’re left with the perfect pasta and rice replacement that is not only delicious but also rich in fibre and can help to lower cholesterol.

Cauliflower rice

Like zucchini ribbons, this cheap, do-it-yourself option is perfect for a quick fix if you can’t get your hands on rice. Just blitz some cauliflower in a food processor until it is completely chopped up then cook in the microwave for one minute without any water. It’ll start to fluff up like white rice giving you the perfect healthy substitute!