Having high starchy carbs and low fats, rice is a rich food that provides energy for everyone. It’s full of minerals and vitamins. It makes a great base for meals like pasta and bread. Rice is a delicious side or main dish that can be eaten with anything. It’s good for those who can’t consume gluten like cardiac disease patients. Rice is also great for your nervous system because it contains different types of vitamin B that help in producing neurotransmitters. Aside from its undeniable health benefits, it’s a quick source of energy and it’s comfort food for many people. Since rice may typically have a simple taste, we will bring you ways to spice things up.
Select the Right Kind of Rice
In case you believe that rice is either white or brown, you’ll be amazed by how wrong you are. In fact, there are thousands of variations in rice types worldwide. Although it’s hard to get your hands on all the types, you can certainly try out some new kinds. Think of what dish you’re cooking because it will determine the rice type used there. For instance, if you’re making a tasty creamy risotto; it’s better to go for Arborio rice because it has the perfect texture for that dish. Almost all cultures have a standardized type of rice in their cuisine. So, to maintain the taste and authenticity of the dish, make sure that you’re working with the appropriate rice type.
Wash First
If you’re wondering why the rice you eat in restaurants is fluffy and light, it’s because they wash it first. Since most packages don’t specify this step, you should know that rinsing rice well under cold water gives it that signature texture and shape. All you have to do is wash the rice, fry it up in a bowl, and move your hand around it. This gets rid of plenty of starch, which causes the gumminess and stickiness of the rice. While it’s generally a good step to apply to your rice, it may not work for all types. That’s why it’s wise to learn more about the suitable cooking technique, particularly when dealing with an unfamiliar type.
Try Smart Cooking Techniques
It’s known that cooking rice is a pretty simple procedure. You put a cup of rice in a pot that has water and boil it. You can try getting a better flavor with extra richness by toasting it up. Heat up a tablespoon portion of fat in the pot and then add the rice. Then, start stirring the rice till it’s covered with the fat. Leave it to toast for minutes and you’ll find the signature smell of the nutty flavor. Some people love to ensure that the results are faster, so they’d do that in their microwave or a rice cooker. Fortunately, you can find rice cookers that are the best on the market to help you cook rice efficiently in a matter of minutes. This staple kitchen appliance will save you time and effort while cooking rice. It’ll also make room for more creativity in cooking.
Seasoning Time
Instead of sprinkling salt into the cooking water, it’s better to wait for the rice until it’s cooked. Unless you’re using an already seasoned broth, you should prepare your spices and season your rice later. Remember that once done, you can fluff it with a fork, spice it up, and finally enjoy a tasteful dish.
Leave it for Some Time
While it’s tempting to lift your lid up after the rice’s cooking time, it’s a good chance that you shouldn’t do so. Cooking rice is basic: you boil it with a liquid, cover the pot, and then wait for the timer. It’s vital that after the rice is cooked, you keep the lid on for a couple of minutes. This ensures that the liquid is absorbed and no steam escapes the pot. Hence, the taste will be impeccable.
Cook in Big Batches
Rice is an essential side dish for many people. So, if you eat it frequently, it’s better to cook extra to be enough for various meals. Therefore, you’ll get to make Therequick vegetable or stir-fry bowls without the hassle of making a new batch from scratch.
When it comes to cooking, there are no limits to what you can craft in the kitchen. As far as side dishes go, rice is a great compliment for various meals. The key is to know how to work the flavors to your advantage and get a final, mouthwatering taste.
