How to Cook Red Rice?

Red rice is a variety of rice that has grown in popularity recently. The anthocyanin, an antioxidant pigment contained in the bran of rice grains, is what gives it its distinctive scarlet hue.

This page will discuss red rice’s definition, health advantages, and several preparation options.

What is Red Rice?

Any form of rice with a red color might be referred to as red rice. Red rice from West Africa, Bhutan, and Thailand are some of the most widely accessible types. It can also refer to white rice that has been cooked with additional ingredients to give it an orange-red color, like tomato sauce or tomato paste.

There are many different ways to prepare this savory red rice dish, including Mexican red rice (arroz rojo), Charleston or Savannah red rice, and Lowcountry rice.

Is Red Rice a Whole Grain?

Red rice can be sold as whole-grain or partially milled. The endosperm, germ, and bran of the rice grain are all present in whole-grain rice.

Since the bran of the majority of rice species is dark in color, whole-grain rice is frequently referred to as brown rice.

Because it has more vitamins and minerals than white rice, whole-grain rice is a healthy choice.

Conversely, whole-grain rice takes longer to cook and is less chewy than semi-milled rice, which nonetheless contains more nutrients than white rice.

What Does Red Rice Taste Like?

The exact flavor of red rice will depend on the variety, but it is generally nuttier and more subtly sweet than other types of rice. Texturally, red rice is similar to brown rice; somewhat chewy due to the outer coating (bran) but tender on the inside.

Types of Red Rice

There are many varieties of red rice, but three are the most common throughout the world:

• West African rice (Oryza glaberrima): This is one of the two major rice species, with a tawny color and a nuttier flavor than Asian rice (Oryza sativa).

• Bhutanese red rice (O. sativa subsp. japonica): Also known as Himalayan red rice: This medium-grain japonica rice from Bhutan cooks up slightly sticky and is often sold semi-milled, meaning that the bran has been partially polished off.

• Thai red rice (O. sativa): Also known as red cargo rice: This long-grain variety has dark red bran and a sweet, nutty flavor.

Recipe 1

This whole-grain red rice dish is ideal if you’re searching for a quick and healthy rice recipe. It’s not only simple to make, but it’s also flavorful and nutrient-dense.

Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole-grain red rice

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2½ cups water

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse and Drain Rice Begin by rinsing 1 cup of whole-grain red rice under cool running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris from the rice.

Step 2: Add rice to boiling water Bring 2 12 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the washed rice once the water has boiled.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Let the rice simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is cooked, on low heat with the lid on the pan. To avoid releasing steam and extending the cooking time, avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking.

Step 4: Fluff the rice and let it rest. Remove the lid after the rice has finished cooking and fluff it with a fork. Re-cover it with the lid and give it five minutes to rest. This will help the rice absorb any remaining moisture and become tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Serve and Store Leftovers Finally, fluff the rice again with a fork and serve it as a side dish or as a base for a delicious rice bowl. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Fields of Gold Red Rice (soaked for an hour)

• 3 Pimentos

• 1 tsp of Fields of Gold Rock Salt

• 2 tbsp of Fields of Gold Organic Cold Pressed Sunflower oil

• 5-6 Mushrooms

• 1 Onion

• 1/4 tsp of Fields of Gold Organic Cumin

• 1/2 tsp of Fields of Gold Black Pepper

• 1 inch of Fields of Gold Organic Cinnamon

• 1 tsp of Black Sesame Seeds (for garnishing)

Method:

• Pressure cook the soaked red rice for two whistles and let it cool.

• Heat the Fields of Gold Organic Cold Pressed Sunflower oil in a pan and add the whole spices (Fields of Gold Organic Cumin, Fields of Gold Black Pepper, and Fields of Gold Organic Cinnamon). Roast for a couple of minutes.

• Add the sliced onion and sauté until it turns translucent.

• Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes until they are cooked.

• Add the cooked red rice and Fields of Gold Rock Salt. Stir well until the vegetables and rice are mixed well.

• Garnish with black sesame seeds and serve hot.

Recipe 3

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of red rice

• 1/4 cup of organic jaggery

• 1/4 tsp of rock salt

• 3 tbsp of rose/kewra water

• 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp of ground cardamom

• 3 cups of water

• 3 cups of full-fat milk

• 1 cup of coconut milk

• 1/4 cup of raisins

• 1 tbsp of lemon zest

• 2 tbsp of ground pistachio

Method

Step 1: Thoroughly rinse the red rice and soak it for 30 minutes in water.

Step 2: Add the soaked red rice, organic jaggery, rock salt, 3 cups of water, and 3 cups of milk to a big saucepan.

Step 3: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and simmer the mixture for the duration necessary for it to boil down to half.

Step 4: Add the rose/kewra water, ground cardamom, cinnamon, and coconut milk to the mixture and stir well.

Step 5: Simmer the mixture again over a low flame until it thickens.

Step 6: Add raisins and continue to cook until the raisins become soft.

Step 7: Remove the pan from heat and let the kheer cool down for a while.

Step 8: Garnish the kheer with lemon zest and ground pistachio.

Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavors.