U.S. RICE FEDERATION TIPS ON COOKING RICE
Tips on cooking rice: Rice can be a little tricky to cook perfectly. Here
are a few tips from the U.S. Rice Federation that will help you out:
. Accurately measure rice and liquid.
. Set timer to prevent under or over-cooking.
. Keep lid on pot during cooking to prevent steam from escaping.
. Rice triples in volume. Use cookware appropriate for the amount of rice
you are preparing.
. Do not stir. Stirring releases the starch, resulting in rice that is
sticky.
. At the end of cooking time, remove lid and test for doneness. If rice is
not tender or liquid is not absorbed, cook 2 to 4 minutes longer.
. When rice is cooked, fluff with fork or slotted spoon to allow steam to
escape and keep the grains separate.
For those who plan ahead, soaking brown rice overnight cuts the cooking time
dramatically. Soak the rice in the measured amount of water you'll need to
cook it, and cook it in the same water, adding more if necessary. DO NOT
drain the rice after soaking it, nutrients will be lost.
And for those who do not like to cook rice, you can pick it up from your
local Chinese restaurant. Almost all Chinese restaurants offer a choice of
white
or brown rice.
Here are some creative and tasty ideas for adding brown rice to your family
meals:
Never serve a boring side dish ever again. Adding a few simple ingredients
to brown rice will put a gourmet spin on any family dinner. After your brown
rice has been cooked, and while it is still in a hot pan, try adding any of
these ingredients:
. Chopped cilantro, parmesan and lemon zest with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
. Chopped mango, black beans, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon olive
oil
. Chopped, cooked shitake mushrooms, green peas, sesame seeds (or a drizzle
of sesame oil) and 2 tablespoons olive oil
. Chopped tomatoes, scallions 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon
olive oil
. Chopped pineapple, cilantro and 2 tablespoons coconut milk
. Chopped cooked carrots, sliced almonds, and fresh parsley and 2
tablespoons olive oil
. Creamed spinach, crumbled gorgonzola, and chopped walnuts
. Chopped cooked broccoli, cubed firm tofu, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1
tablespoon olive oil
Don't throw out leftover rice. It is great to have on hand for stirring into
soups and broths. You can also use it to make terrific salads, here are two
simple recipes.
Veggie Brown Rice Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup corn kernels (roasted is a nice touch)
2-3 seeded, chopped plum tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green and red pepper
2-3 chopped green onions
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
Toss all ingredients in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Fruity Brown Rice Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup vanilla or lemon yogurt
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Directions:
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve.
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