1. Lemon Rice:

   This tangy and flavorful rice dish is perfect to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. To make Lemon Rice, cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of chana dal, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, a pinch of asafoetida, and a few curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add 1 tablespoon of peanuts and sauté until golden brown. Then, add the cooked rice to the pan and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over it. Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

2. Mushroom Risotto:

   This creamy and savory Italian rice dish pairs well with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. To make Mushroom Risotto, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan and sauté 1 diced onion until translucent. Add 1 cup of Arborio rice and cook for a few minutes until the grains are coated with butter. Gradually add 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, stirring continuously until absorbed. Repeat this process with 3 more cups of broth, adding 1 cup at a time. In a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and add them to the risotto along with grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Coconut Rice:

   This fragrant and slightly sweet rice dish is a great accompaniment to spicy curries or grilled seafood. To make Coconut Rice, cook 1 cup of rice with 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of water. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, a few cashew nuts, and a pinch of asafoetida. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add 1/4 cup of grated coconut and sauté for a minute. Mix this coconut mixture with the cooked rice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

4. Spanish Rice:

   This flavorful and colorful rice dish is a perfect match for grilled or roasted meats. To make Spanish Rice, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and sauté 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper until softened. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in 1 cup of long-grain rice and cook until lightly toasted. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 3/4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Pilaf:

   This versatile rice dish can be paired with almost any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables. To make Pilaf, sauté 1 diced onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until translucent. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice and cook until lightly toasted. Stir in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

These 5 easy rice recipes are sure to complement any main course and add delicious flavors to your meals. Enjoy!