The two major subcategories of rice are known as indica and japonica, although within this there are over 40,000 different varieties grown around the world. Popular japonica varieties include arborio and Nishiki, most commonly used to make risotto and sushi respectively, while long grain indica rice includes basmati and jasmine. This collection of rice recipes includes tasty dishes made with both japonica and indica rice, although whichever variety you plump for reading up on how to cook rice is a great place to start.

Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient, working equally well as a humble side, main meal, breakfast or even pudding. Alfred Prasad's pilau rice recipe and Nisha Thomas' Coconut rice would both pair perfectly with curry, or try Sumayya Usmani's Beef biryani recipe for a meal in itself. Marcus Wareing's risotto recipe is packed with mushrooms, pancetta and peas, or try Georgina Fuggle's Sushi rice bowl for a healthy vegetarian meal. If it's rice pudding you're after try Andrew MacKenzie's White chocolate rice pudding recipe with poached fruits or Jacqueline Meldrum's Spiced rice pudding for a delicious vegan dessert.