Cooking rice and whole grains in a rice cooker is a convenient and foolproof way to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy grains every time. With just a few simple steps, you can create a variety of delicious dishes, from classic white rice to hearty brown rice pilaf. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide will provide you with all the information and tips you need to make the most of your rice cooker and create mouthwatering rice and whole grain dishes that will impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
RICE AND WHOLE GRAINS FOR RICE COOKER
My family eats a lot of white rice as a staple. For years I've wished to work a few whole grains in the mix to increase the nutritional value, but didn't know how to manage the different cooking times in the rice cooker. I recently figured it out. Right now I'm using 1 part whole grains to 3 parts white rice. It tastes good and they're eating it! Maybe later I'll try increasing the proportion of whole grains--as long as the family still likes it. I've used millet, grits, brown rice, and buckwheat. I'm also thinking of trying red and purple and black and wild rice, barley, whole oats, buckwheat groats, coarse cornmeal, and quinoa. Maybe also sesame and sunflower seeds. At high altitude, lentils, split peas and black-eyed peas don't cook tender enough, but with a pressure rice cooker, or at low altitude, I think they might work. If anyone experiments and learns anything, let me know. This method yields a moister rice like the Chinese prefer, not chewy rice with distinct grains.
Provided by Kate S.
Categories Rice
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In the morning, measure grains and lentils into rice cooker, adding water to cover. Vary whole grains as desired, to total 1/2 cup. Allow to soak all day. (The soaking will allow the whole grains to cook tender in the normal rice cooker cycle).
- About 45 minutes before dinner, drain off the soaking water (this is only necessary if your are using beans--to throw most of the gas-producing stuff down the drain). Add water to 3/4-inch above the surface of the grain. Measure by placing the tip of your index finger on the surface of the rice--water should be up to the first knuckle.
- Sprinkle in salt if desired. Start the rice cooker. It will be ready by dinner time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.9, Fat 0.9, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 5.9, Carbohydrate 70.7, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 6.5
PERFECT LONG-GRAIN WHITE RICE
Cooking rice is simple to do but there is a trick to getting it to come out just right. Follow this foolproof technique and you'll end up with rice that's wonderfully tender, never mushy.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Combine the rice, salt and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
BROWN RICE IN THE RICE COOKER
Make and share this Brown Rice in the Rice Cooker recipe from Food.com.
Provided by heatherhopecs
Categories Rice
Time 35m
Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Spray your rice cooker pot with a non-stick cooking spray. This works wonders at keeping your rice from sticking and burning.
- Add your brown rice and water. While the typical rice-to-water ratio for white rice is one part rice to two parts water, brown rice works better if you go with one part rice to two and a half parts water.
- Add salt to taste.
- On a cutting board, press the flat edge of a knife on the cloves of garlic to squash them. Remove and discard the papery skin and drop the smashed cloves into the cooker.
- Add olive oil.
- Cover the pot and turn on the cooker. Expect brown rice to take a little longer to cook than white rice (about 30 to 40 minutes instead of 20).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.2, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 7.8, Carbohydrate 36, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 0.4, Protein 3.7
Tips for Cooking Rice and Whole Grains in a Rice Cooker
- Rinse rice and whole grains before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the grains from sticking together.
- Use the correct water-to-grain ratio. This will vary depending on the type of rice or whole grain you are cooking, so be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions.
- Add salt or other seasonings to the water before cooking. This will help flavor the grains.
- Cook rice and whole grains on the appropriate setting. Most rice cookers have a setting specifically for rice, and some also have settings for other grains like quinoa or barley.
- Let the rice or whole grains rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the grains absorb any remaining moisture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Conclusion
Cooking rice and whole grains in a rice cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare these healthy and versatile foods. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your rice or whole grains turn out perfectly every time.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#weeknight #30-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #preparation #occasion #healthy #side-dishes #rice #easy #beginner-cook #kid-friendly #low-fat #dietary #low-sodium #low-cholesterol #low-saturated-fat #inexpensive #healthy-2 #low-in-something #pasta-rice-and-grains #3-steps-or-less
You'll also love