(Family Features) One of the best parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and that’s particularly true on an international scale. No matter where you go around the globe, however, there is one ingredient you’ll likely find is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines: rice.

Grown on almost every continent, this staple ingredient is a large part of meals around the world, which means there are nearly endless varieties and recipes to try. However, you don’t need to go on vacation to try authentic-tasting international food; easy-to-make versions of popular dishes from around the globe can be made right at home in mere minutes.

Mediterranean
Known for vibrant vegetables, savory sauces and incredible tastes, the Mediterranean is also home to a few classic rice dishes such as rich and creamy risotto from Italy. Other vibrant options include Spanish specialties like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and paella, which is made with an assortment of ingredients like seafood, spices and savory broth. 

Asia
If you’ve ever been to an Asian restaurant, you’ll notice a large portion of the menu likely includes recipes made with rice. While it might be difficult to pinpoint where certain recipes originate, fried rice is a Chinese specialty. Over time, this delicious dish has made its way to many different countries and been reinvented with local ingredients. For example, this Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice is based on Korean cuisine and can be made in less than 5 minutes using Minute Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa Cups, which combine the buttery taste and aromatic scent of authentic Jasmine rice with crunchy, 100% whole-grain red quinoa in a convenient, pre-portioned cup.

Middle East 
Much like other cuisines around the world, Middle Eastern cooking uses rice almost every day. A Turkish and Arab mixed dish, shawarma is now a global street food. Traditional Persian rice uses a variety of spices like turmeric, ginger and cardamom with dried fruits and nuts. 

Latin America 
Latin American recipes vary from country to country and region to region, but rice is essential on the side or as part of the main dish across the board. A quick and easy morning meal, this Mexican Breakfast Scramble is ready in 4 minutes. Aiding the short prep time, Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups are ready in just 1 minute and can help spice up dishes with a tasty blend of onion, green peppers and jalapenos.

North America
With bold flavors, few things say southern comfort quite like Louisiana cooking. Bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with rice-based dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, or by pairing rice with another popular Cajun pastime – a classic shrimp boil.

Find more quick and easy international recipe ideas at MinuteRice.com.

Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Jasmine Rice and Red Quinoa Cup
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine kale, kimchi and soy sauce. Cover and microwave 1 minute.
3. Add rice and egg; mix well to combine. Cover and microwave 30 seconds. Stir and serve.

Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with sesame oil. Add cooked shrimp.

Mexican Breakfast Scramble

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons salsa
• 2 tablespoons queso fresco

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In small microwave-safe dish, combine egg, salsa and rice.
3. Microwave 1 minute. Stir in cheese; microwave 30 seconds.

Serving Suggestion: For meal to go, wrap scramble in warm tortilla.

SOURCE:
Minute Rice

(Family Features) Fresh, flavorful ingredients take springtime meals to another level, and it’s hard to top seafood as a seasonal favorite. Skip the wait at restaurants and instead create your own savory seafood dishes by taking advantage of easy-to-make recipes.

While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal like Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner. Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, swap out traditional rice noodles for this version with Jasmine rice as an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic.

Take the guesswork out of cooking rice with an option like Success Boil-In-Bag Rice, which offers a heat safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved solution for fluffy, flavorful rice that cooks up perfectly. The high-quality grains are quick, easy, mess-free and ready in 10 minutes, so you can enjoy hassle-free dishes such as Successful Crab and Rice Cakes.

These crispy crab cakes come together easily and are served with a zesty, homemade aioli that tastes just like you’re on the coast. If you’re new to making crab cakes, it’s simpler than it may seem – just cook rice beforehand so it can cool then mix in beaten eggs, seafood and seasonings. Refrigerating and resting the mixture helps it hold together before frying to a mouthwatering golden brown for a delicious appetizer, snack or side dish.

Visit SuccessRice.com to find more springtime meal ideas.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 4 lime wedges

1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.
2. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
3. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve.
4. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.
5. Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Successful Crab and Rice Cakes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Crab Cakes:

• 1 bag Success Brown Rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 pound lump crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 lemon, zest and juice only
• lemon wedges (optional)

1. To make crab cakes: Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.
2. In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crabmeat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate 5 minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties.
3. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
4. To make aioli: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

SOURCE:
Success Rice

(Culinary.net) Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress.

Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.

With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal.

For more brunch recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/edqYczXjtqg?modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0

Brunch Fruit Tart

Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

Crust:

• 4          cups granola mixture
• 1/2       cup butter, softened
• 4 1/2    tablespoons honey
• nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

• 2 1/4    cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       cup granulated sugar
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1          package gelatin

Toppings:

• strawberries, sliced
• blueberries
• kiwis, sliced

1. To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.
3. Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.
4. To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.
5. Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
6. Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net