Be Your Best In The Kitchen: Fast And Helpful Rice Cooking Tips

Many people think that they "can't" cook. They think that trying to make anything more complicated than a sandwich or macaroni and cheese will end in failure. However, there are many easy ways to make delicious and healthy meals. In this article, you'll learn how to use rice to prepare meals that you'll be proud to eat.

Rice

You can avoid sticky rice by removing the starch. To do just that wash the rice several times until the water coming from the rice is crystal clear. Remove all the water, and let the rice sit for 20 minutes. Adding a few drops of lemon to the water before cooking also helps to separate the grains.

You can make a quick and inexpensive meal out of some leftovers by adding pasta and rice to vegetables, meat or salad fixings. They cook quickly and are cheap, so use them to stretch the contents of your refrigerator. Toss in a few sauteed peppers or onions to make an even, fuller meal.

Cook perfect rice every time. When cooking plain white rice, follow these simple steps. Put 1 cup of long-grain rice into a heavy-based saucepan, with a pinch of salt and 2 cups of water. Put a lid on the saucepan, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook for 12 minutes. Check the rice at this point: there should be no water left, and small steam holes should have appeared in the rice. Replace the lid, and let the rice sit for 2 minutes. Enjoy!

To keep salt in shakers fresh and dry, add uncooked white rice to the shaker. The rice will absorb any moisture from the environment instead of the salt, and stops the salt from dissolving or caking. Rice is not noticeable in a glass shaker and is too large to be shaken out with normal use.

Make red beans, sausage and rice the easy way. Brown your sausage in a skillet. Add a can of red beans, liquid included, and then add enough instant rice to soak up the juices. Once the sausage is fully cooked turn off the heat and let the mixture simmer. It is a filling, low-cost meal that you can prepare in minutes.

When you are cooking rice make sure that you follow the directions to the tee! It is best when you are cooking the rice to put all of the ingredients in the pot and use the timer! Do not open the pot until your time is up! You will have the best rice.

Rice Cooking Tips

Don't throw out those small bits of vegetables and meat that collect in the refrigerator; use them to create a fried rice masterpiece in your wok. For drier rice, make it the night before you plan to use it or decrease the amount of water you use to cook it. Fry your meats and vegetables in some oil. Then add rice and season it.

Cooking isn't as hard as it may seem. If you take the time to learn how to cook, making great meals can be easy. Before you plan your next meal, take a look at the advice offered in this article. You may wind up discovering that you're ready to cook things you never thought you'd be able to handle.

Womens Health And Rice

 The Perfect Health Partners - Women And Rice

We all know women and men are different creatures; some may even argue different species. We'll leave that debate for another time and place. But, there is ample evidence that when it comes to nutritional makeup, the difference is highly defined.

A woman's need for specific nutrients to fight diseases is now well documented thanks to many in-depth studies. The focus has narrowed to three nutrients that have been shown to greatly influence a woman's health. These three nutrients are folic acid, iron, and fiber. Let's take a look at the concerns with these nutritional elements.

Folic Acid

It is best to begin at the beginning - the beginning of life, that is. Since the US Center for Disease Control's (CDC) mandatory folic acid fortification program went into effect in 1998, there has been a significant drop in NTD (neural tube birth defects) as well as the risk of early miscarriage due to folic acid deficiency.

However, even with the folic acid enriched rice, not even half of all women of childbearing age are consuming the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. Studies also show that even fewer women over 65 are consuming enough folic acid in their diet. The research indicates one reason recently may be the increasing number of women who are following a 'low carb' diet, effectively eliminating one very viable source of folic acid - rice.

Aside from pregnancy and the developing fetus, folic acid plays a role in the lifetime of a woman. Studies recently indicate that folic acid helps decrease the risk of stroke in women. Heart disease caused by high levels of homocysteine may also be helped by the addition of folic acid, which lowers blood homocystein levels. Recent research has also found a link between folic acid and the prevention of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Iron
 

As many as one in five women of all ages, and half of all pregnant women in the US suffer from an iron deficiency. When the body does not get enough iron, it can not produce enough red blood cells. Hemoglobin is needed in ample supply for the pregnant woman to feed and support the fetus as it develops.

In women of all ages, a shortage of iron could cause anemia. It is a misconception that only women of childbearing age may suffer from an iron shortage. Women in every age group need to consume enough iron to produce red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia may include general weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, inability to concentrate, and even shortness of breath.

Fiber

We know fiber is necessary for proper digestion, which helps reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. Now we also know that fiber is crucial for proper weight control.

People who eat a diet rich in whole grains (fiber) tend to have a lower BMI (body mass index) than people who eliminate grains from their diet. Having a lower BMI is not just about our figures; it's about our health. A higher BMI has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Women tend to have a more difficult time than men consuming enough fiber. One reason may be that women are more likely to follow diets that eliminate many foods that are believed to be high in carbohydrates. When examining a low carb diet, one must remember that we need complex carbohydrates for a healthy diet.
Eliminating ALL carbs is not good for us, nor will it result in lasting benefits. Whole grains are complex carbs, or 'good' carbs, and have a moderate glycemic index which may help control food cravings and sugar spikes.
So, what food can women eat to meet these three important nutritional essentials?  The answer is simple: Rice

A diet that includes plenty of enriched white rice along with brown rice provides these three building blocks that can otherwise be missing from a woman's diet. Just a few servings a day of white and brown rice will meet the recommended allowance for folic acid, iron, and fiber. Rice is low in calories, has no fat, and is easily cooked and paired with a variety of healthy ingredients to suit every taste.

Rice is a complex carbohydrate so it fits into even a low-carb diet plan. There are many varieties of rice from which to choose, so you will never get tired of finding new recipes to make for yourself or your family.
Yes, women and men are different. But who knew even our nutritional needs were something to consider?

Now that we know, I think it's time we took our health seriously. Fill your pantry with the 'superfood' specially designed just for women - RICE!

The Benefits Of Adding Rice To Your Diet

Trim Your Waistline With Rice

Through the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals who have jumped on the 'low-carb diet' wagon in order to lose weight. For many, this type of diet has been helpful. There is no denying that eliminating some specific carbs from your diet will result in weight loss. However, we repeat; "specific carbs." These are the so-called "bad carbs" that the low-carb diets warn you about.

With that said, there is some confusion over whether or not rice should be included in a low-carb diet. In fact, some may believe rice causes weight gain regardless of what diet a person follows.

Well, I'm here to dispel the rumors that rice is the culprit causing the increasing waistline and climbing scale numbers. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. Research has now shown that people who eat a combination of white rice and brown rice, are more likely to enjoy seeing a shrinking waistline and lower numbers on the dreaded bathroom scale.

The studies indicate that people who eat white and brown rice have developed other eating habits which contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The results show that subjects in the study who eat rice consume:
less fat, less saturated fat, and less added sugar; fewer calories from fat, and; more dietary fiber, more fruit and vegetables, and a greater percentage of whole and and enriched grains.These same subjects in the study also were more likely to have a lower BMI (body mass index) which is body weight relative to body height. The BMI value is not only a weight indicator, but a health indicator, as well.

The question now is, does adding rice to your diet ensure weight loss because eating habits change or is there something inherent in rice that causes weight loss? We believe the answer is both - rice consumers change their diet habits AND rice has nutritional elements that help in weight loss.
Let's take a look at a few reasons why rice may help you keep your weight down.

Feeling Full

Everyone who has ever been on a diet knows that being hungry is a definite diet disaster. Keeping your tummy feeling full means less midnight snacking and backsliding on the diet plan. Rice, especially whole grain brown rice, is loaded with fiber and is a very slow-burning carbohydrate. Even a half cup of cooked brown rice in the morning can keep you from visiting the doughnut wagon before lunch. A rice salad or rice soup for lunch will keep you on track all the way through to dinner time. Any diet will warn you about avoiding the empty tummy snack attacks, and rice does an excellent job of this.

Slow Burning Carbs

We mentioned the slow burning carbs in rice, but, aside from keeping you full, these 'good carbs' or complex carbs  also provide energy to help burn fat and build muscle.  The good carbs in rice also eliminate the blood sugar spikes that fast burning carbs, or 'bad carbs,' create. A diet high in bad carbs will keep that blood sugar bouncing around which not only causes that darn belly fat but may also create the beginnings of a dangerous diabetic condition.

Less Fat More Flavor

Rice is free of trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Rice needs no fat to cook and is delicious all by itself. Rice doesn't need a lot of sauce or additives. As a matter of fact, some of the best rice dishes are made by tossing simple, healthy ingredients together with the rice. A traditional stir-fry is a good example.

Hooked On Rice

Once rice is added to a person's diet, he or she sees how easy it is to cook rice and enjoy it on a regular basis. Now that person is hooked and rice becomes a part of their diet. The easier it is to throw together a healthy meal, the more often a person will eat healthy. And you can't get much easier than rice! Every time we add rice to a meal, we also enjoy the added 'feel good' benefits of serotonin, which elevates mood, creating more reasons to eat rice. We also reap the benefits of more than a dozen vitamins and minerals that rice provides, which helps our entire body feel and function better with every serving of rice.

So, what is the answer to the question; "Can I whittle my waistline if I eat rice?"  According to some very important studies, the answer is "Yes!" It sure looks like there are plenty of reasons to add rice to your diet when looking for ways to lose weight and feel better.

Variety Is The Rice Of Life

Get To Know Your Rice Varieties

When talking about rice varieties, we have to limit our discussion to what we call the 'short list' or the 'grocery store list.' Why a short list? Because the long list of rice varieties would get a bit crazy. With more than 40,000 varieties worldwide, we thought we'd keep our sanity by narrowing the list down to those we most likely could find in a store.

To begin, let's look at a few basic rice facts. Rice is a grain that grows in fields or paddies and has three edible parts; the bran, germ, and endosperm. Rice that has been milled and polished to remove the hull, bran, and germ is called white rice. Rice that has been hulled only, leaving the bran and germ intact is called brown rice. Brown rice and white rice are not actually species or varieties of rice, but are more accurately the result of a process.

Now that we have that straight, let's take a look at what we would most likely find on a grocery shelf in America when we shop for rice.

Brown Rice

This rice is usually considered 'whole grain' rice, basically because the rice was not milled, leaving much of the bran and germ intact. Only the hull is removed. Brown rice is available in long grain, medium grain, and short grain. Long grain brown rice will remain somewhat separated when cooked, while medium and short grain brown rice kernels will tend to cling together more when cooked.

 All brown rice has a light, nutty flavor due to the remaining bran. Brown rice offers more fiber and the nutritional benefit of the bran and germ. You will need more cooking time for brown rice than white rice, but the delightful nutty flavor of brown rice may be worth the wait.

White Rice

This is another generic term used more to describe the rice than to name a variety. White rice is processed to remove the hull, bran, and germ, leaving just the internal endosperm, which is white. White rice can also be purchased in long grain, medium grain, or short grain, but all cook up a bit stickier than any length brown rice grain. Enriched white rice has been added to American shelves since a severe shortage in folic acid was found to be the cause of birth defects. Other nutrients have been added back into white rice, as well.

Arborio Rice

This rice is sometimes mistakenly called risotto in America. The grain gets its name from a town in Italy where it is grown. Arborio rice is used to cook the dish, risotto, which is a very creamy dish created by adding liquid to the rice, stirring, then adding more liquid and stirring some more until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Jasmine Rice

If you cook any Asian dishes, you might know this rice. With a super sticky finish, this rice is perfect for dishes that need to hold up under a lot of ingredients. The texture is very popular in stir fry meals. The rice is also very fragrant.

Basmati Rice

This rice is from India. When cooked, it stays fluffy and separates. Although some may confuse it with Jasmine rice, they are not similar. This rice has an aroma, but it is not like Jasmine. Once you learn the difference, you will not confuse the two.

Converted Rice

This is a process which produces an 'instant rice' to some degree. The rice grain is steamed before milling, resulting in a shorter cooking time. This may be handy, but the nutrients are compromised during the processing. Any rice that has a reduced cooking time was processed to a great degree.

Of course, this just covers the basics of the rice varieties found on the grocery shelves in the United States. Since we know there are over 40,000 varieties worldwide, we know we are missing some important rice choices to enjoy. This simple primer should get you started, however, to find the best rice for your family's personal tastes.

Kid Friendly Rice Dishes You Can Serve Today

Three Easy Rice Recipes Your Kids Will Love

Creating meals that kids will eat without complaint can be a struggle, especially when trying to include healthy foods. For that reason, parents often try to sneak ingredients into their recipes.

Disguising nutritious foods inside of foods you know your kids will eat is one way to get your kids to at least ingest some vitamins and minerals. But, wouldn't it be nice to actually introduce your kids to nutrition rather than trick them into eating it?

One 'Superfood' your kids probably already like is rice. This nutrient-rich food has no doubt been on your family's table, and your child's highchair tray, since he or she could pick up a kernel or two and aim for their mouth.

But, I suspect that as your kids got older, they lost interest in that fluffy white pile of rice on their plate. Taste buds change and mature and now they want something a bit more appealing, and can you blame them? When was the last time you ate a pile of plain white or brown rice?  It doesn't exactly tempt the palate.
Luckily, for you and your kids, there are plenty of easy, fun, and tasty ways to re-introduce your family to the wonders of rice. And, you won't even have to hide the rice inside another food to get your kids to eat it! Here are a few fun and easy rice ideas to try on your family.

Chicken Pineapple Kabobs Over Rice
 

You'll need chicken meat cut into small cubes, pineapple chunks, either fresh or canned in natural juices, a can of natural pineapple juice if you wish, and other vegetables your child may like, such as grape tomatoes. You'll also need cooked brown or enriched white rice and skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes. The 'recipe' is simple. Cook the rice according to package directions, but substitute at least some of the water with pineapple juice.

Preheat your broiler and lightly oil your broiler pan. Alternate the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables on skewers, then brush the kabobs lightly with good cooking oil. Broil just until chicken is cooked through, turning at least once during cooking time. Serve the kabobs over a plate of cooked rice. This looks so grown up and tastes super delicious with the sweet pineapple.

Layered Arroz Con Queso With Beans
 

This dish is made by laying smashed pinto beans (or refried beans) in the bottom of a shallow casserole dish, then topping with a layer of cooked brown or white rice, and then spreading a layer of low fat cottage cheese over, and finally sprinkling a layer of shredded low fat Cheddar cheese or a mixture of cheese on top.

Cover the baking dish and put in the oven just until mixture is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and uncover the dish, then let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish is a cross between mac and cheese and nachos. What's not to love?

Rice Crust Pizza Time

For this recipe you'll just be making a pizza crust out of rice, then topping it with whatever your kids like, within reason, of course. You'll need about 3 cups of cooked rice and 1 egg for a 10 inch pizza crust. Cook brown rice or white rice, or a combination. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

When rice is cooled, mix a whole egg into the rice, smashing it together with a fork to combine well. Add seasonings if you wish, like oregano and salt. Form the smashed rice into a ball on a work surface and cover it with plastic wrap, then use your hands to press the rice mixture into a flat circle, pizza crust style. Place the crust on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees until browned nicely, about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool down.

While it cools, prepare whatever ingredients you want to top the pizza crust with. Add your toppings and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until all the toppings are nice and hot and any cheese you added has melted. Then remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy.

Most kids started out loving their little piles of rice on their highchair tray. It was fun to play with and even a few kernels found their way to the tummy. Finding super nutritious foods to get your kids to eat just got easier now that you have these simple ways to re-introduce rice into your family's diet. Give these dishes a try and then see if your kids can come up with a few ideas of their own!

The Heart Health Benefits Of Rice

Enjoy Rice Every Day And Give Your Heart A Healthy Hug

Over the last 20 years, rice consumption in the United States has almost doubled. Perhaps this increase began as a way to stretch a shrinking household budget. Perhaps the rice growers in America got their message across that rice should be a part of everyone's diet. Or perhaps consumers finally found out just how versatile, delicious, and handy rice can be.

No matter what the reason, rice has definitely become a staple in the American pantry. This is a good trend, not only from the viewpoint of a homemaker feeding a hungry family, but as a person concerned with their health - to be precise, their heart health.

Studies focusing specifically on the relationship between consuming rice and heart health have shown overwhelming evidence that rice plays a crucial part in keeping our heart strong. Take a look at this brief summary to see how rice has become your heart's best friend.

Whole Grain Approved

Brown rice has earned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label of a 'whole grain' food. According to the FDA and the American Heart Association (AHA), diets high in whole grain foods, low in fat, and low cholesterol, have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Brown rice is an excellent addition to your whole grain foods.

Lower Blood Pressure

A diet such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan has been proven effective in lowering blood pressure. This plan focuses on nutrition strategies, including eating six or more servings of whole grains daily, specifically adding brown rice to your diet. Since just 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice equals one full serving, this is an easy way to take a healthy step toward fighting hypertension.
Folic Acid Friends

The AHA has linked low folic acid levels, along with other B vitamins, to heart disease and stroke. Without enough folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 in the blood, there is the risk of increased levels of homocysteine, which in high amounts has been linked to heart disease, sometimes fatal. Just one cup of enriched rice provides over 20% of the recommended daily amount of folic acid you need for a healthy diet.

Superfood Surprise
 

Much has been said about 'superfoods' such as blueberries, acai, and grapes, but we must remember to include rice in this category. As a matter of fact, whole grains such as brown rice are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Include rice in your list of superfoods to add to your diet and enjoy an easy, inexpensive source of nutrients.

Budget Friendly Nutrition

Speaking of superfoods, many homemakers look at the list of these nutrition powerhouses and shake their heads. Yes, some of these superfoods can put a dent in a budget. The good news is, rice is an affordable superfood option. Not only is rice loaded with the heart healthy nutrients and fiber we all need, but it is very filling. Consider adding a smaller portion of the more expensive superfoods to a larger portion of rice to take advantage of all the superfoods.

Most of us are now aware that rice adds important nutrients and fiber to our diet. We know that enriched white rice and whole grain brown rice can help reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. But now we know how very important rice is for a healthy heart. With the variety of rice available, it's easy to add rice to your daily diet. Stock your shelves today and give your heart a healthy boost!

Gluten Free Diets And Rice

Choose Rice For Your Gluten Free Diet Needs

In the last decade, we have become increasing aware of a condition called 'gluten sensitivity.' An organization called the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has helped in spreading the word to the general public. Many consumers were unaware of this condition until they themselves, or someone they love, went through the arduous process of diagnosis.

Now, many consumers have found that a gluten-free diet is either essential to their health, or at least beneficial. According to the NFCA an estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, but this number is very likely much higher since a true diagnosis is still rare. Even without a diagnosis of celiac disease, it is estimated that over 20 million people are gluten sensitive to some degree.

But, let's back up a little and start with a basic question; exactly what is gluten?

Gluten is the protein that forms the 'glue' which holds together foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies, and is most often found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, gluten is also found in surprising places such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and some candies.

Think about any foods which need to be emulsified, or held together, and you quite likely could find gluten. As you can see, for those who are sensitive or allergic to gluten, there are many foods to avoid.

Here is where we find hope. Yes, there is a grain that is gluten-free and the least allergic of all grains. It is a grain that is easy to cook, versatile enough to use in many recipes, is high in dietary fiber, nutrient dense, fat free, and packed with delicious goodness. That grain is rice.

Brown rice and enriched white rice can be an essential food in every pantry - even, and especially, for those with gluten sensitivity. Instead of feeling denied, people who need to avoid gluten can feast on a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet, made with rice and rice products. However, do be aware that when you buy rice products, check the label. If the product doesn't say 'gluten-free' then the manufacturer has added ingredients for binding or flavoring that may contain gluten.

With that said, buying plain brown or white rice is always a good choice. There is no need to buy prepackaged rice dishes when it's so easy to cook up a batch of rice and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick gluten-free meal.

 Now you can grab cooked rice cold out of the refrigerator and toss it together with a mixture of vegetables for a fresh salad. Or stuff some green or red bell peppers with a rice mixture and enjoy a hot meal. You can even create a sweet and creamy rice pudding with fruit and berries for a late night snack or dessert.

Gluten-free living doesn't mean you have to sacrifice that oh-so-yummy-full-tummy feeling when a meal truly satisfies. That lovely feeling of satisfaction comes from the complex carbs that whole grains provide. Thankfully for those sensitive to gluten, and for all of us, rice provides those 'good carbs' that we need, all bundled into a delicious, nutritious, gluten-free superfood!

Whether you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or you suspect you are gluten sensitive, try adding gluten-free rice to your diet. You'll not only enjoy a new, wide range of rice dishes, but all the nutritious goodness that goes along with them!

Taste The Nutritional Goodness Of Brown Rice

Enjoy Daily Nutrition With Brown Rice

When you stock your pantry with brown rice, you are not only filling your family's tummies, you are providing a food that rightly deserves the title 'Superfood.' Not only does brown rice provide necessary nutrients to meet the daily requirements for whole grains, but it's versatile and delicious, too!

We know that whole grains are considered one of the foundations for a healthy diet, and brown rice fits this need very well. The recommended allowance for whole grains is three servings daily, and with just one and a half cups of cooked brown rice, the three servings are already met! And, with the light, nutty taste and slightly chewy texture, it's easy to envision adding more brown rice into your meals.

Now that we have you convinced of the nutrition and goodness of brown rice, the next step is to stock up and start cooking. But, before you start cooking your first batch, let's take a look at a few other things to know about brown rice.

How to Store

Unprocessed whole grain brown rice has some natural oil, so the shelf life is somewhat shorter than processed white rice. Keep uncooked rice in an airtight container in your pantry for no longer than 6 months. For longer storage (and peace of mind), keep your brown rice in airtight jars or plastic food bags in the refrigerator or freezer.

If you cook large batches of rice for quicker meals, (and you should!) you can store it in the refrigerator for about four or five days before it starts to lose its texture and taste. For even better results, put your cooked rice in airtight containers and throw it in the freezer, where it will keep for about 6 months. You can reheat the cooked rice easily in the microwave or on top of the stove with a few tablespoons of added water. Or you can just add it to the dish you are preparing and it will heat along with the other ingredients.

How to Choose

There are several varieties of brown rice, each with different textures. Your preference will depend on how you like your rice to taste and feel. You'll choose from short grain, medium grain, or long grain brown rice. There are brown rice products now that are faster cooking, too.

An unprocessed, all natural, long grain brown rice will have a nuttier taste and somewhat crunchier texture. This rice is often preferred in hearty dishes and cold salads since it stands up to tossing and stays separated better than other varieties. Medium grain and short grain brown rice are more tender and will clump, making them a nice choice to serve with creamy or saucy dishes spooned on top.

Incorporating brown rice into several meals throughout your day is a great way to add whole grains to your diet. Here are a few suggestions for easy ways to enjoy the nutritional goodness of brown rice every day.

Breakfast - Keep cooked brown rice in your refrigerator for quick morning meals. Put some rice and milk in a microwave proof bowl and heat briefly, stirring several times. Add dried fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and let sit for a few minutes before serving. For egg lovers, put brown rice in a skillet and cook until just crisped up a little, then add lightly beaten eggs and scramble as usual.

Lunch - Add chilled cooked brown rice to any sandwich wrap you like for extra body and nutrition. For a hot lunch, put a small skillet over medium heat, add cooked brown rice and fry until hot and slightly crisp, then add any leftover vegetables, meat, or nuts and stir until heated through. Brown rice works well in cold salads, too. Prepare a bowl of fresh garden vegetables and brown rice ahead of time, then toss with salad dressing when you're ready to eat for an interesting twist on an old favorite.

Dinner - Stir-fry dishes are a traditional way to add rice to your dinner plans, but think about other ways to work brown rice into your meal. Remember, long grain brown rice works perfectly for hearty meals like soup, stew, and chowder. Consider making a brown rice layered casserole, or use cooked brown rice instead of bread crumbs in meatloaf.

Snack - Whether you are looking for a sweet or savory snack, brown rice can be used to create delicious snacking choices. Rice pudding with raisins and cinnamon is a sweet classic, but spicy rice patties are a great choice for your savory snack lovers.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy three or more servings of brown rice each and every day. From morning to night, this versatile rice just might be the answer to your family's nutritional needs, and all in a tasty way!

What IS Wild Rice?

Discover The Grass We Call Wild Rice

When adding rice to our diet, we may first turn to the rice that's most familiar to us. That is most often a fast cooking enriched white rice or a slow cooking long grain brown rice.

With a variety of rice from which to choose, there is never a shortage of interesting flavors and textures to try. There seems to be a rice for all occasions and taste preferences.

But one rice is in a class by itself. This is partly due to the fact that, although we call it rice, it's not a rice at all. This rice is called 'wild rice.'

Wild rice, or "manoomin," an Ojibwe word roughly translated to mean "good seed," is actually not rice at all, but is a grass.  Native to lakes and rivers in North America, the seeds from this grass have been harvested since before written history of the region existed.

Most of the wild rice we see today is gathered by hand in the exact way it was centuries ago. Pushing a canoe or small boat through the wild rice patches on a lake, the tall grass is bent over the boat and struck with a stick to dislodge the ripe kernels. A team may return to the same wild rice patch in a few days to gather the kernels that have since ripened.

Several steps are used to processing the kernels once they are harvested. The "parching" refers to the drying of the moist kernels. This may be done in a large kettle over a fire. The hulls are then removed from the parched kernels by "thrashing" which is done by shaking, jiggling, or even stomping on the wild rice kernels to loosen the hulls. Once loosened, the kernels are separated from the hulls by "winnowing" which is done by tossing the wild rice in a tray and allowing the wind to blow the brittle bits of hull away from the kernels.

Of course, modern methods of planting, cultivating, and harvesting have become popular. Wild rice is an ancient grain native to North America, but has only recently entered agricultural crop status. We all can appreciate the improved yield that this new technology has brought about.

The distinctive color of wild rice will range from very dark charcoal to dark brown. This difference is due to the treatment during curing and the ripeness of the wild rice kernels when harvested. There is very little difference in the appearance or flavor of rice from lakes and rivers or farms.

Aside from the color, the taste and texture is what truly attracts most wild rice fans. Even though wild rice is typically priced higher than other rice products, adding even a small amount to a rice dish is often enough to make a real impact. With its nutty flavor and 'toothy' texture, wild rice gives a delightful twist to any recipe, turning an ordinary rice dish into a culinary adventure!

Rice Cooking Tips

How To Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

There aren't many more perplexing kitchen tasks than cooking a perfect pot of rice. Whether white rice or brown rice, there seems to be an almost impossible 'sweet spot' between gooey, watery rice and light, fluffy rice. Is it the timing? Is it the measuring? Is it the pot? Is it the rice?

Whatever it is, we need to find an answer. Below are some of the tips we've found for getting your rice to turn out perfect each and every time. Let's take a look.

Follow the Directions

This just seems too simple to be true. However, the rice was processed and packaged by experts in that particular rice product. So, trust they know how to cook their rice and begin with the obvious; follow directions on the package to the letter.

Rinse the Rice in Cold Water

If there are additives, such as talc leftover from the milling process, you will remove it. Starch will also make your rice stickier than you want, and rinsing will help remove some of the starch.

Measure the Water

When it comes to the liquid-rice ratio, guessing isn't a good idea. You may need to experiment, especially if you don't have a package with instructions. Generally speaking, brown rice will require about twice the water per rice, while white rice requires a bit less. Keep in mind that you'll want the rice texture to work well with any dish you are creating. You'll want a firm texture for salads and a stickier texture for saucy or stir-fry dishes.

Keep the Boil Under Control

If you are cooking your rice in a pot on the stove top, as opposed to an electric, timed rice cooker, be sure to watch that burner. If you boil the heck out of the rice, you will end up with lots and lots of starchy water and sticky rice. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Fast cooking will break down the rice and turn your rice into a solid mess.

Keep the Lid On and Relax

Once the rice has simmered for the time required for the water to absorb, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, with the lid on, undisturbed for 5 minutes or more. If you uncover the pot too quickly to 'fluff' the rice, you'll find puddles of liquid which have yet to be absorbed. The rice wants to relax and absorb the liquid, so give it a chance.

Get an Electric Rice Cooker

When all else fails, or if you are just convinced you can't make a good pot of rice on top of the stove, invest in an electric rice cooker. These come in a variety of styles and prices, so shop around. Most do a good job of getting rice cooked the way you like it, but you do have to follow the instructions. You also have the added benefit of keeping a big pot of rice warm. This is nice for large meals or potlucks. If you are struggling with your rice results, this may be a solution for you.

No matter how often you cook rice, you want it to turn out perfect every time. It's disappointing to say the least to uncover a pot of rice only to find a puddle of water or a gooey mess. Try these simple suggestions to get your rice cooked just right every time!

Is Brown Rice Better Than White Rice?

The Great Rice Debate - Brown Rice Versus Enriched White Rice

There is no debate over the fact that rice is the most popular grain in the world. Over half the world's people depend on rice for a significant supply of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Rice also is an excellent source of 'good carbs' which provide energy to the body.

So, what's the debate? Ask a dozen people which rice is better for nutrition and you'll most likely get a split vote. Let's take a look at a few nutritional recommendations and then see which rice best suits those needs.

Get Your Grain

According to the USDA MyPlate guide, getting a good dose of grains each day is essential for our overall health. We know eating whole grains is beneficial in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, keeping us on track for a healthy heart. The phytonutrients in whole grains such as brown rice also help fight certain cancers, diabetes, and may help reduce obesity.

Whole grains are also complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, avoiding the 'sugar spikes' that bad carbs can cause, helping to prevent the onset of diabetes. Whole grains are also high in dietary fiber, a necessary nutrient to keep the digestive tract functioning well.

Get Your Folic Acid

This is a type of B vitamin that is essential for everyone's health, but has been shown to be crucial for the health of pregnant women and infants. Although folic acid can be found in a variety of foods, grains enriched with folic acid have played a very important part in the health of newborn babies.

 According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) since grains have been fortified with folic acid, the incidence of several serious birth defects has decreased significantly. Of course, folic acid is not just for pregnant women and their babies. Folic acid, along with other B vitamins, help build red blood cells, protect the cardio system, prevent anemia, and help fight cancer.

Now that we know how important it is to eat whole grains and get our folic acid, which rice, brown rice or enriched white rice, should we choose for ourselves and our family?

The answer is simple. Eat both!

According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should divide our daily servings of grain in half - half whole grains and half enriched. Brown rice and enriched white rice fit this guideline perfectly!

Brown rice is an excellent choice for your whole grain half. Just one cup of cooked brown rice provides two of the three daily servings recommended. Brown rice is 100% whole grain which digests slowly so it keeps you fuller longer and provides a healthy dose of the fiber and nutrients you need.

 Not only is brown rice a perfect whole grain choice for nutrition, but it tastes great, too!  Because of its nutty taste and slightly crunchy texture, brown rice is often used in salads as well as side dishes.

Enriched white rice is very versatile and is suitable in  many dishes. Serve white rice with stir-fry or in soups to stretch a meal nutritiously. Mix with warm milk and berries for a satisfying breakfast. Use white rice in breads or to make patties. The lighter, fluffier texture is often preferred by even the fussiest toddler, making mealtime much more pleasant, and nutritious!

Next time you go to the grocery store, don't stand and ponder which rice is better... stock up on both. Brown rice and enriched white rice both play an important role in your family's healthy diet.