Southern Rice Cakes – A Crispy, Savory Southern Comfort Food Classic – Black Foodie Finder

A Golden and Crispy Southern Rice Favorite

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Southern Rice Cakes combine seasoned rice, colorful bell peppers, onions, and thyme into delicious golden patties. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this comforting Southern recipe is a flavorful way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
• 2 cups overcooked rice
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cream
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Clarified butter or margarine

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and thyme. Cook briefly until the vegetables become slightly tender and fragrant.
2. Prepare the rice mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the overcooked rice and egg, stirring until well combined.
3. Make the batter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Add the cream, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a smooth, cohesive batter forms. If the mixture feels too thick, add a little more cream.
4. Heat the skillet. Melt enough clarified butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat to coat the cooking surface.
5. Shape the rice cakes. Spoon portions of the rice mixture into the hot skillet. Gently press each portion down with a spatula to form small, evenly shaped patties.
6. Cook until golden brown. Allow the rice cakes to cook until the bottoms develop a golden crust. Carefully flip and continue cooking until both sides are browned and lightly crispy.
7. Serve warm. Transfer the finished rice cakes to a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a delicious Southern-style side dish.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Use soft, slightly overcooked rice. The extra moisture helps bind the rice cakes together and keeps the centers tender.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the patties in small batches for a crispier, more evenly browned exterior.
• Add a little extra spice. For a Black Foodie variation, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Try a flavorful dipping sauce. Serve with spicy remoulade, garlic aioli, or your favorite hot sauce.
• Make it a complete meal. Pair these rice cakes with fried fish, smothered chicken, or sautéed greens for a satisfying Southern-inspired dinner.

About the Creator

Clayton Sherrod, President of Chef Clayton’s Food Systems, Inc., contributed this Southern Rice Cakes recipe to The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, celebrating the flavors and traditions of African American home cooking.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Southern Rice Cakes recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

Recipe Contributor: Clayton Sherrod, President, Chef Clayton’s Food Systems, Inc.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional recommendations from Black Foodie.