By Flavor & The Menu
August 6, 2020

There’s much discussion about how consumer preferences are evolving since the pandemic took hold. Those preferences are rooted in somewhat shaky ground as current events keep shifting the landscape, but chefs can find a sure-footed path for innovation in plant-forward menu development. Consider this: 13 percent of consumers surveyed by Datassential reported that, prior to the pandemic, they were interested in or had tried plant-based foods. During the period of shelter-in-place orders, Datassential asked those same consumers how their interest might change after those orders were lifted—86 percent said their interest in plant-based foods would increase. That’s a whopping 76 percent jump in consumer curiosity and enthusiasm in just a few months.

The mandate is clearly there. Innovation in the plant-based space needs to balance that consumer eagerness to explore with a cushioning sense of the familiar. “Rice is a foundational part of plant-based diets across the world. It also adds that all-important heartiness and comfort to a dish,” says Carl Schwartz, culinary R&D manager for CSSI Marketing on behalf of USA Rice. “Sourcing U.S.-grown rice varieties—from jasmine and basmati to brown rice and red rice—gives operators a versatile, high quality and local product to use as a foundation for trend-forward plant-based menu development.”

THE INDULGENT SIDE

USA Rice

This Roasted Beet Risotto showcases what plant-forward dishes do best—straddling that line between indulgent and functional. Al dente U.S.-grown arborio rice plays host to nutrient-rich beets, creamy feta, sharp Parmesan and fried kale.

Plant-based dishes by their very nature come with a built-in health halo—earned or not. Indeed, “indulgent vegan” is a trend that’s taken hold over the last few years. More consumers are ordering plant-based dishes simply because they sound delicious and there’s no longer a sense of sacrifice attached to them. With interest growing around plant-based eating, menuing craveable, indulgent rice-based dishes is a smart move.

We asked Schwartz to develop a few thought starters featuring U.S.-grown rice:

Rice and Mushroom Kofta:
Short-grain white rice, garbanzo beans, cumin, za’atar, cinnamon, garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, cashew-yogurt garlic sauce

Paneer Biryani:
Paneer cheese marinated in curried yogurt sauce then seared and baked with basmati rice and topped with crispy-fried shallots

Black & White Arancini:
Black rice and arborio rolled into risotto balls with vegan mozzarella “cheese,” then baked until golden brown and served with roasted garlic-lemon aïoli

Roasted Beet Risotto:
Creamy arborio rice with feta and Parmesan enriched with nutrient-dense beets and crispy kale

THE FUNCTIONAL SIDE

USA Rice

Bright, flavorful and functional, this Thai Peanut Crunch Rice Salad sees an aromatic base of U.S.-grown jasmine rice and a combination of edamame, peanuts, red bell pepper, red cabbage, carrots and scallion dressed in a ginger-maple peanut sauce.

The uptick of interest in plant-based eating since the onset of the pandemic is thanks to the desire to eat better. Functional wellness has been gaining momentum for a while now, but today’s global health threat has moved its position front and center. Success for restaurant brands here comes when menu developers can serve up function with flavor. According to USA Rice, the grain supplies energy, complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also plays welcome host to nutrient-dense ingredients and takes on flavors extremely well.

We asked Schwartz to develop a few thought starters featuring U.S.-grown rice:

Cassoulet Pilaf:
Saffron rice (long-grain white rice), vegan sausage, black beans and cilantro

Rice & Beans Croquette:
Cooked short-grain rice and pinto beans formed into a croquette and baked, then pan-seared and topped with Tajín-spiced vegan crema

Wild Rice Cake:
Cooked wild rice and butternut squash made into patties, then baked and topped with scallions and fresh thyme

Thai Peanut Crunch Salad:
Jasmine rice, red cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots and scallion with a ginger-maple peanut sauce

For more inspiration using U.S.-grown rice, go to ThinkRice.com.