Whether it’s an aroma rich chicken biryani or a Goan fish curry and rice, it’s the one must have staple food in every Indian’s home cooked entrée. But let’s face it, not all of us can gobble up carbs like free candies on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are many more healthy variants of rice out there that we can feast on without feeling guilty. What’s your bowl of rice? Let’s find out!
Black Rice
An odd variant when it comes to rice, black rice is considered a rarity in the food world. It has a deep, dark purplish color due to high levels of Anthocyanin, a very powerful antioxidant. Which is why black rice is revered as an extremely healthy staple food.
It has a subtle, nutty flavor and its texture is akin to white rice. For a pop of colour and flavor in your dishes, go for a black rice bowl or pilaf. Black rice has scores of health benefits and is absolutely heavenly as a pudding. Don’t believe us? Read all about it here.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is considered as a healthier alternative for white rice because it still has its side hull and bran. The side hull and bran provide an element of natural wholeness to the grain and are enriched with proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.
With a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor, brown rice comes in short and long grained variants and can be substituted for white rice in any dish but you simply must try the brown rice Chinese stir fry or the Mexican brown rice and beans.
We also have a decadent Buddha bowl recipe that’s simply mouth watering. Read the recipe here.
Red Rice
Red rice has a more distinctive nutty taste which makes a red rice pilaf with mushroom, a scrumptious hearty delicacy.
Red rice has a high fibre content and a low glycemic load while the manganese helps your metabolism. So, in all, red rice can make quite a difference in your diet as compared to the polished white version. Or better yet make yourself a healthy bowl of some Chinese red rice.
Cooking Ratios
Brown, red, or black rice fairly have the same cooking ratios that is two cups of water for one cup of rice. And one cup of dried rice should yield about three cups of cooked rice or three serving portions.
The cooking time may vary a bit but on a low simmer, brown rice takes about 50 minutes while red and black rice take about 30 minutes to cook.
There’s more to rice than just colour. Indulge in the fluffy home cooked goodness and find your bowl of rice at a Nature’s Basket near you or click here.
