Rice Recipes
There are different findings to the origin of rice.
Some historians believe it was first found in India, while others believe it to be China.
One of the earliest records reveal, that the Chinese emperor, Shen Nung, realising the importance of the rice crop, set a special rice ceremony at the time of sowing and himself scattered the first few seeds, to honour the crop.
Even today, the chinese hold this annual rice ceremony, by dedicating a day from the New Year festivities to it.
Rice Facts
Rice is a staple food for nearly one-half of the world’s population.
It is a natural source of fat, while at the same time being both cholesterol and sodium free. Every 1 1/2 cup serving of rice contains 103 calories of complex carbohydrates.
There are several varieties of rice available such as long grained rice.
In different countries you will find one or all of these varieties, grown locally.
For instance, Thai jasmine or white rice – fine medium grained rice, which releases a strong fragrance on being cooked, hence, the name jasmine. Premium JASMINE RICE
Arborio – Italian medium-grained rice traditionally used in risotto. Superfine Quality Arborio Rice from Italy
Basmati – Indian and Pakistani variety of long slender grained rice known for its aroma and delicate flavour. It is traditionally used in making certain exotic dishes like biryani. Finest Quality Of Long Grain Basmati Rice
For those who prefer a still healthier variety, they have the option of healthy brown rice bowl
Cooking Rice
There are several ways to cook rice. You can use a pressure cooker, microwave or boil in a pan and cook.
Begin by deciding how much rice you intend to cook.
Then measure the quantity and place it in a cooking pot.
Rinse the rice well (about 2-3 times).
After rinsing you can either start cooking immidately or let it stand in the soaked water for about 2-3 hours. More time the rice remains soaked, the lesser time it will take to cook.
Boiling and Cooking
Suppose you decide to cook 1 cup rice. You will need 1 1/2 cup of water.
Add the rice and water in a cooking pot. After the first boil cover the pot with a tight lid.
Reduce to a low heat and cook for 8-10 mins.
After the first 8 mins check to see if the rice has grown soft, or cook further. If you find the water drying up and the grains are still stiff, then add some more hot water.
Once you have achieved the softness, drain off any excess water and set the rice aside.
Alternatively, if you do not want to retain any nutrients (carbohydrates) in the rice.
Then in 1 cup of rice add 3 cups of water.
Add the rice and water in a cooking pot.
Put it on heat and let the mix cook on medium heat, uncovered. Within 15-20 mins check to see if the rice has grown soft, or continue to cook.
Once you have achieved the softness, drain off excess water. And wash the rice under cold water and then set aside.
Secondly, you can also cook the rice in a pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker
For 1 cup rice you would need 1 1/4 cup water.
Apart from this, you would need to put water at the base of the cooker. The utensil should be a little less than 1/2 immersed in water.
Add the rice in a steel or aluminium utensil, with water.
After 2 whistles slow and let it cook for 5 mins before turning off. Opt for quality rice cooker Buy Zojirushi Rice Cooker
Tip: Pressure cookers are apt for cooking plain rice. For cooking curried rice recipes or fried rice/lentil rice etc, use a cooking pot/deep pan to avoid spillage and easy mixing of ingredients.
If you want to give a pure white colour to the rice and want every single grain to stand out (be well separated) you need to squeeze a lemon when the rice is boiling. After the rice is cooked drain it and then run it under cold water. However, in this way all the starch is washed out. So you are eating rice only for its flavour.
Rice Recipes
Indian Rice
Aubergine Rice
Biryani
Coconut Rice
Corn Rice
Curryleaf Rice
Dry Fruit Rice
Khichdi
Tawa Pulao
Masur Rice
Spinach Rice
Savoury Rice
Vegetable Rice
Oriental Rice
Fried Rice
Hunan Mein Chow Rice
Thai Basil Rice
Thai Rice (Khao Phat Phak)
Mushroom Rice
Western Rice
Mexican Rice
Paella
Rissotto
Spanish Rice