Do you love chili con carne? If so, then you’re probably looking for recipes that include this delicious dish. One question you may have is what kind of rice goes best with chili con carne? There are many rice options for chili con carne, so it can be tough to decide.

I remember the first time I ever had chili con carne. It was at a restaurant in San Diego, and I instantly fell in love with it. The chili was spicy and flavorful, and the rice pairing perfectly complemented the dish. Ever since then, I’ve been looking for recipes that include chili con carne and rice.

I struggled a lot when experimenting with different kinds of rice, trying to find the ideal rice for chili con carne, but after some research, I finally found some recommended rice choices for chili con carne. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you so that you can make the best chili con carne possible. Along with the rice varieties, I’ve also included some other side dish ideas to consider.

Here they are!

Best Rice for Chili Con Carne:

Arborio Rice
Mexican Red Rice
Black Rice
Wild Rice
Brown Rice
Jasmine Rice
White Rice
Basmati Rice

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that originates from Italy. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. When cooked properly, it will absorb the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.

The key to cooking Arborio rice is to not overcook it. Otherwise, it will become mushy. For the best results, cook the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water. This will give it even more flavor.

Mexican Red Rice

Mexican Red Rice is the perfect side dish for Chili Con Carne. It’s hearty and filling, with a distinct flavor that pairs well with the savory spices in the chili. The rice is also relatively easy to prepare, and it can be made in advance so that it’s ready to go when you’re ready to eat.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using Mexican Red Rice:

It’s important to use good-quality rice.
You’ll need to simmer the rice longer than you would for other types of rice dishes.
It’s best to add a little bit of acidity to the dish, such as lime juice or vinegar, to help balance out the flavors.

Black Rice

Black Rice, also known as Forbidden Rice, is a nutrient-rich grain that has a deep black color and a slightly nutty flavor. When cooked, Black Rice has a chewy texture that holds up well to heartier dishes like Chili Con Carne. In addition to its delicious taste, Black Rice is also packed with vitamins and minerals that can boost your overall health.

However, it takes longer to cook than white rice, so be sure to allow enough time. Moreover, Black Rice can be quite sticky, so it’s important to rinse it thoroughly before cooking. Also, because of its absorbent nature, Black Rice will absorb the flavors of whatever dish it is cooked with. So if you’re looking for rice that will pack a punch, Black Rice is a perfect choice.

Wild Rice

If you’re looking for a change from the usual rice side dish, try wild rice. Wild rice is a bit chewier and has a nutty flavor that complements chili con carne perfectly. It’s also packed with nutrients, so it’s a healthy choice as well.

Of course, you need to cook it slowly and carefully. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot tightly. Cook for 40-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender. Don’t forget to add a little salt to the water before cooking.

Brown Rice

One way to lighten things up is to serve brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is packed with nutrients and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in chili con carne. It’s also more filling than white rice, so you’ll be able to save some calories without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Just note that brown rice can be tricky to cook. It takes longer to cook than white rice, so you’ll need to plan. Also, be sure to add extra water and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy.

Jasmine Rice

Most people think of chili as a winter dish, something to warm you up on a cold night. But I like to enjoy it all year round, and one of my favorite ways to serve it is over a bed of Jasmine rice.

This long grain rice originated from Thailand and has a light, fragrant flavor that pairs well with the spices in chili. The grains are also softer and fluffier than other types of rice, making them easy to eat.

Here are some tips that may help you properly prepare your Jasmine rice:

Be sure to rinse the rice several times before cooking, as this will remove any excess starch.
Be sure to use the correct ratio of rice to water – generally 1:1.5, which means you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice.
And finally, don’t forget to add a little bit of salt to the water for flavor.

White Rice

White rice is a versatile and affordable grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture make it a great choice for chili con carne. It will absorb the flavorful sauce, while still being firm enough to hold its shape.

For the best results, cook the rice according to the package directions. Be sure to add a little extra water to prevent the rice from sticking together. On another note, you can also add some chopped vegetables or shredded cheese to the chili con carne before serving it over the white rice.

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is a long grain, aromatic rice that originates from India. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture and is a great choice for serving with chili con carne because it can absorb all of the delicious flavors of the dish.

Basmati rice is also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthier option than other types of rice. However, one downside of using this is that it can overcook easily, so it’s important to watch it carefully while it’s cooking.

Another tip is to rinse the rice before cooking it, which will help to prevent it from sticking together.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a guide to chili con carne rice. I hope this article has helped you to determine what kinds of rice go best with chili con carne. As you can see, there are a variety of options to choose from, so be sure to experiment and find the perfect one for your recipe.