Brown rice is a versatile whole grain, packed with fiber and nutrients. It’s easy to cook and tastes great in any dish. It’s also a great way to bulk up soups and salads or serve alongside other dishes like fish, poultry, or meat.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s important to know how to make rice. You can either cook it in a pot on the stove or use an Instant Pot to make the process even faster. Regardless of how you cook it, it’s important to cool the cooked rice before placing it in storage containers.
Cooling the cooked rice is important to avoid bacteria buildup, which could lead to food poisoning. To prevent this, spread the cooled rice on a sheet pan and refrigerate for at least 3-4 days or freeze it in freezer-safe bags.
When making a large amount of rice, you may need to make it a day in advance and then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can also freeze it in small amounts so you’ll always have a quick and easy dinner option on hand.
Seasoning the liquid
Adding herbs and spices to the water for cooking is an easy way to enhance the flavor of the rice. Herbs and spices are particularly useful for brown rice because they add a rich depth of flavor without overpowering it, as some other types of grains might do.
Garlic is another excellent addition to the liquid for brown rice because it lends a nutty aroma and flavor. You can experiment with combining garlic and herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add an extra punch of flavor to your finished dish.
Vegetables are another great way to season the liquid for brown rice because they add a variety of flavors, from fresh and sweet vegetables like bell peppers and carrots to milder varieties like onions and celery. Using vegetable broth, chicken or beef stock, or similar options is a simple way to increase the savory flavor of the liquid for your whole grain brown rice.
Finish with add-ins
Stir in a wide range of tasty add-ins, from shredded cheese to canned beans or chopped, cooked veggies. Adding these in during the last 10 minutes of cooking allows them to soften, meld with the flavor and absorb the remaining liquid.
This recipe is perfect as a side to a variety of mains, from grilled chicken to tacos or even a bowl of pasta. It’s easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Fried rice is a favorite comfort food for many people, and this version of the classic dish uses brown rice to bring out the nutty flavor of other ingredients, such as peas, carrots, garlic, and onions. The result is a delicious dish that will disappear from your plate in no time at all!
Unlike white rice, brown rice retains the healthy bran and germ that are removed during milling. This makes it a nutritious, wholesome alternative to white rice, which is also a great source of fiber and vitamins B, E, and K. You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice.
