Some rice -- short-grain white rice in particular -- almost always needs to be rinsed of the powdery starch that builds up around it during transport. Brown rice, since it still has its hull, doesn't create as much buildup in the bag or box.
All rice probably gets a little dirty between the farm and the store shelf. A good rule of thumb is to rinse new brands and varieties the first few times you use them. If the water's crystal clear, they may not need rinsing the next time.
To rinse rice, add it directly to the saucepan or a bowl, fill it with cold water, and swish the rice around with your fingers. Check the clarity of the water, pour it out (keeping the rice in the pan with your hand), and repeat until the water is clear.
What's the difference between white rice and brown rice?
What's the difference between white rice and brown rice?
Brown rice and white rice are the same grain. White rice is brown rice that has been stripped of its fibrous layers of bran and then polished smooth and white. Those outer layers contain most of the fiber and nutrients of the grain. (They also give brown rice a nuttier, chewier flavor and texture.)
So, which is better?
It depends on what you're in the mood for. We enjoy the complexity and wholesomeness of brown rice. But we also appreciate a simple, soothing bowl of white rice, which cooks faster and has a light, fluffy texture that balances acidic and spicy dishes, like a stir-fry or vindaloo. And while brown rice is great for the heart, white rice is easier on the stomach, making it a suitable base for comforting Greek Lemon-Egg Soup.
Why do I need to fluff rice with a fork?
Why do I need to fluff rice with a fork?
To "fluff" rice (or couscous, quinoa or bulgur) means to use the prongs of a fork to carefully separate the cooked grains. This will remove any lumps and separate the delicate grains without crushing them to give the rice a light, fluffy texture. (A wooden spoon is too much of a bruiser for this operation and will often result in mushy rice.)
Note: When making a granita, a semi-frozen dessert made from water, sugar and fruit or other flavorings, a fork is also used to scrape the ice crystals as they form, resulting in a fluffy icy texture, not an ice cube.
Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini With Ground Beef, Brown Rice, Red Pepper And Basil (Kalyn's Kitchen)
Recipe: Vegetable Fried Rice (Tastes Like Home)
Recipe: Muscatel & Green Grape Granita (Chow)
What's the point of covering a pot of water you've set to boil?
What's the point of covering a pot of water you've set to boil?
A watched pot never boils? Well, put a cover on said pot and it will boil before you know it, even right before your very eyes. Putting a cover on a pot of water you've set to boil is one of those time- and energy-saving tricks that is so obvious that it just may take years for it to dawn on you.
Covering your pot will trap heat, prevent evaporation, build pressure, and get your water boiling faster. Just remember that once you remove the lid, it will take the water a moment to return to a full boil.
What's the difference between a complete protein and an incomplete protein?
What's the difference between a complete protein and an incomplete protein?
A food can be called a complete protein when it has sufficient amounts of the nine essential amino acids.
Animal proteins are complete protein sources. But vegetarians who get their protein from fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and legumes -- many of which are incomplete proteins -- should be mindful to redress the balance.
A simple way to do this is to eat some beans with your rice, which together create the equivalent of a complete protein. This practice of "protein combining" is an easy way to make sure you're getting enough protein, although the notion that rice and beans have to be eaten in the same meal has been widely debunked.
You can also incorporate non-animal complete protein sources such as soy, quinoa, buckwheat and spirulina into your diet.
