How to Choose Rice
Rice is a staple in many cultures and an essential element in the regional dishes of many nations. When you select a rice, it's important to know how it will be used. Cooking times and methods will vary depending on the rice you choose, and even storage methods may differ from one type to another. In order to cook rice well, it's important to match the rice with the recipe. That way you'll be able to prepare a well cooked, tasty rice dish every time.
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Instructions
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Evaluate the rice recipe you want to prepare. Rice typically comes in long, medium and short-grained varieties. If you want to prepare a meal with a fluffy white rice side dish that has loose, slender grains, then long-grain white rice is for you.
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Choose medium-grain varieties if you need rice that will stick together for a risotto or a dish that has rice as a base, and you want a thick sauce with it.
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Pick up sticky and dense short-grain rice for recipes that call for "high gluten" rice. It is often used in molded dishes, desserts and sushi. The grains of this type of rice are almost oval.
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Select a color. The main difference between white and brown rice is in the milling. Brown rice retains some or all of its husk or bran covering. This makes the rice tougher, but it also has more nutritional value.
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Consider the timing. Rice takes a while to cook, so there are options that cut down on the prep time. Instant rice is essentially cooked rice that has been dried. When you reconstitute it with water, it takes less time to prepare than standard rice grains because the grains have already been cooked through. You gain time, and this option is more convenient, but you lose flavor and some of the texture of rice made from scratch. Instant rice is available in both white and brown varieties.
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Think about flavor. In the universe of rice, there are popular varieties that have devoted followings. These rice superstars are prized for their fragrance and texture. Basmati and jasmine rice are among these popular rice varieties.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep brown rice in the refrigerator. It will last longer that way because the colder temperature will extend the shelf life of the oil in the husk.
The Japanese drink sake is made with rice.
Be sure to check the cooking instruction on the rice package for cooking times. Brown rice and some designer varieties will sometimes need to cook longer.
When cooking rice, always choose a pot with a tight fitting lid.
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- Photo Credit Courtesy of Morguefile
