MaryLee's Healthy Food and Easy Cooking - Rice

Hello again,

I am going to talk about rice. It is such a versatile carb which can be used so many different ways, once cooked can be used fried, in stuffing, salad, toppings applied to it and so on.

Cooking rice can be difficult as it tends to stick and go clumpy which can be really a nuisance, also not everyone likes rice as they find it can be very bland in flavour. But all this depends on the type of rice used and how it is prepared.

There are various types of rice on the market and most come with cooking instructions which are best to follow.

The rice I use the most is Basmati Rice which I find is easy to cook and has a lovely flavour.

The trick to cooking basmati rice is to wash the rice until water runs clean prior to cooking.

The best way to do this is put it into a mesh sieve and rinse in clean cold water.

Cooking instructions 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid

2 cups rice

4 cups liquid (I’ll use water)

In large saucepan with lid add the water then add 1 tsp oil and pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, add rice, stir, cover and turn heat to low. Cook until all liquid is absorbed approx 15 - 30 min. depending on your heat. Gas cooks quicker than electric. Do not be tempted to stir the rice during cooking or remove the lid to look as this will cause it to become sticky. When rice is cooked remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, rice will be separate and fluffy.

To flavour rice replace liquid with stock or add the following to the water:

1 tsp cumin seed
1 tsp coriander seed
1 tsp sesame seed
1 – 3 cardamom seed
In dry skillet place seeds over low heat till lightly browned

Remove and place in mortar and pestle and crush. Add to cooking water.
Or use cinnamon stick or vanilla pod cracked.

For a spicy variation add chopped pepper or 1 tsp cayenne pepper