Leftover cooked brown rice doesn’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity, you can turn it into delicious new meals that are healthy, satisfying, and easy to make. One simple idea is to make fried rice. Quickly fry minced garlic, diced onions, and chopped carrots, peas, and bell peppers in a splash of coconut oil, then mix in the rice and a generous pour of coconut aminos. Add a beaten egg or some cubed tofu for extra protein, and stir until everything is evenly coated with a golden, caramelized crust.

Another option is to bake it into rice cakes. Combine the rice with an egg, grated cheese, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt, then firmly pat it into a baking dish or skillet and bake until golden and firm. Slice into bites for a portable appetizer.

You can also use leftover brown rice as a base for nourishing grain bowls. Pile on sautéed zucchini, baked salmon, or chickpeas, add a drizzle of tahini or yogurt dressing, and sprinkle with seeds or nuts for crunch. It’s a quick way to build a balanced meal with whatever you have on hand.

For a sweet twist, turn the rice into a comforting morning bowl. Simmer it in dairy-free milk or cashew cream, برنج قهوه ای add a dash of cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar or stevia, and seasonal peaches or sliced kiwi. It’s a warm, comforting start to the day.

Another clever use is to add it to hearty liquid dishes. Mix in half a cup to a full cup of rice into your favorite broth-based soup to create a heartier, more satisfying consistency. Brown rice also works well in stuffed peppers or tomatoes. Combine it with black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, cilantro, and cotija cheese, then spoon the filling into halved vegetables and bake until tender.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making rice balls. Shape the rice into compact spheres or ovals, coat them lightly in toasted seaweed flakes, or roll in a mix of sesame and flaxseed. Enjoy them as a Japanese-inspired bite.

The key is to think of brown rice not as a side dish that’s done, but as a culinary canvas waiting for new flavors in new and tasty ways.