Know More about White Rice and How to Prepare Simple Dishes with It

White rice is a very important ingredient in many culinary cultures around the world. It’s so easy to use that it’s no surprise that it became a staple food in many recipes.

In this article, you’ll learn about the properties, nutritional benefits, and how to prepare simple dishes with white rice. You’ll also learn about how to choose the best white rice for your recipes and some interesting substitutes. Let’s begin our journey to discover the wonderful world of white rice!

The Origin of Rice

Rice is a grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in China, India, or possibly the Middle East. It is one of the world’s most important food crops, providing over 20% of the world’s dietary energy. Rice is an essential part of the diets of many cultures, in quite different continents like Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It is often used in soups, stews, curries, stir-fries, and other dishes. It is also a key ingredient in many desserts and snacks.

Rice is also the most widely grown crop in the world, with over 500 million tons produced annually. This has turned rice into one of the most important sources of nutrition for millions of people around the world, and of course, a major source of income for farmers in many countries. Since it is quite a versatile crop, it can be grown in different climates and conditions.

Moreover, over the centuries rice has become an important part of many religious and cultural ceremonies. In some parts of the world, rice is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In other parts of the world, it is used to make offerings to deities or to bring good luck and is also a major part of many festivals and celebrations, including weddings and other traditional events.

There is a particular variety of white rice grown mainly in Thailand and the neighboring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia, called jasmine rice. For more information about it, you may visit mahatmarice.com/products/jasmine-white-rice/.

White Rice: A Versatile Ingredient

White rice has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and is an excellent source of carbohydrates and B vitamins. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, or stir-frying. It can be used as a side dish, or as an ingredient in a variety of meals such as stir-fries, casseroles, and soups. Even sweet desserts can be made with white rice.

Here Are Two Different Recipes You Can Try with White Rice:

Brought from the far East: Cantonese fried rice

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cooked white rice.
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
• 1/2 cup of diced carrots.
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas.
• 1/2 cup of diced onions.
• 2 eggs, beaten.
• 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.

Instructions

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for a minute, and consistently stir.
3. Then, add the carrots, peas, and onions and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Then, add the beaten eggs and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked white rice to the wok and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Then, add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Finally, add the sesame oil and stir to combine.

Serve the Cantonese fried rice immediately. If you want to add any additional ingredients, feel free to do so! You can also add some other vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.

Enjoy!

With all the Mexican flavor: Red rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white long grain rice.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell peppers (red or green).
• 1/4 cup of tomato sauce or 1 diced tomato.
• 1 tsp of chili powder.
• 1/2 tsp of cumin powder.
• 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth or water.
• 1/4 tsp of salt.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional).

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté until they are softened.
2. Add the rice and stir to combine.
3. Add chili powder, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt and stir until everything is combined.
4. Pour in the broth and boil it. Cook the rice in lower heat.
5. Remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and add chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

You can make variations on this recipe by adding different types of vegetables such as corn, peas, or carrots. For a more tasty (and nutritious) dish, different types of proteins such as ground beef, chicken, or shrimp can be included as well.