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 familiy 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 Tbsp olive oil.
- Chopped mango, black beans, 1 Tbsp lime juice, and 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Chopped, cooked shitake mushrooms, green peas, sesame seeds (or a drizzle of sesame oil) and 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Chopped tomatoes, scallions 1Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- Chopped pineapple, cilantro, and 2 tbsp coconut milk
- Chopped cooked carrots, sliced almonds, and fresh parsley, ad 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Creamed spinach, crumbled gorgonzola, and chopped walnuts
- Chopped cooked broccoli, cubed firm tofu, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp 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
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- ½ cup corn kernels (roasted is a nice touch)
- 2-3 seeded, chopped plum tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped green and red pepper
- 2-3 chopped green onions
- ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toss all ingredients in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Fruity Brown Rice Salad
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup vanilla or lemon yogurt
- ¼ cup of honey
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve.
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