Black Venere rice, also known as Nerone, is a whole grain that requires a longer cooking time than other types of rice. For faster white cooking, it is recommended to cook it in a pressure cooker with plenty of water, avoiding the absorption method, which is complicated with whole grains.
I prefer to choose organic and natural varieties, such as Alce Nero, to preserve both the taste and nutritional properties. On the other hand, varieties like Scotti’s Parboiled (or Gallo’s) are treated or precooked, making them faster to cook, but compromising their original characteristics.
Venere rice is a specific variety of black rice developed in Italy, created in the early 2000s by crossing an Asian black rice with an Italian variety from the Po Valley. It is whole grain, very fragrant (reminiscent of freshly baked bread or hazelnuts), and requires a longer cooking time compared to refined rices, but offers high nutritional value. It is an entirely Italian black rice, mainly grown in Piedmont and the Po Valley.
EASY RECIPES with gluten-free grains
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 2 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stove, Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 422.00 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 91.11 (g) of which sugars 0.00 (g)
- Proteins 8.89 (g)
- Fat 3.33 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 15.60 (g)
- Sodium 615.37 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 250 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Black Venere Rice – Quick Cooking
PORTION per person
🍀 boiled Venere rice as side dish: 60-80 grams
🍀 boiled Venere rice for salads or one-dish meals: 80-100 grams
- 7.05 oz black Venere rice
- 2.5 cups water (see below)
- to taste coarse salt (half a teaspoon)
Should Venere rice be washed? A quick rinse under running water can be useful to remove impurities and reduce possible traces of pesticides, dust, mold, or other contaminants accumulated during cultivation, transport, or storage. Soaking is not necessary, but it can help reduce cooking times.
How much water to use to cook it and for how long?
For whole Venere rice (such as Alce Nero or Baule volante)
🍀 In a pressure cooker: about three times the weight of the rice, with cold water. Cook for 18-20 minutes from the whistle.
🍀 In a pot: about five times the weight of the rice, with cold water. Cook over low heat for 35-40 minutes.
🍀 In an oven: about twice the weight of the rice, with hot broth or water. Cook covered at 392°F for 30 minutes.
If the Venere rice is parboiled or precooked (generally Scotti or Gallo), reduce cooking times and water, following the package instructions.
Tools
- Pressure Cooker for quick cooking
How to Cook Venere Rice?
ADVANTAGES
🍀 Quick Times: cooks Venere rice in about 18 minutes.
🍀 Nutrients Preserved: better retains nutritional properties due to sealed cooking.
🍀 Intense Flavors: better retains taste thanks to closed environment cooking.
🍀 Energy Saving: uses less energy compared to traditional cooking.In conclusion, Venere rice turns out quicker and tastier.
Rinse black Venere rice under running water.
Pour the rice into the pressure cooker (to enhance its flavor, it can be lightly toasted before adding the water), cover with three times its weight in water, then add salt and close. At the first whistle, lower the heat and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let depressurize naturally; in this way, the cooking will continue (for 3-5 minutes) in a safe and ecological way.
Once ready, drain.
Optionally, season with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving, or sauté in a pan with other ingredients to blend the flavors.
Rinse it under cold water. Optionally, briefly toast it in a pan with a drizzle of oil (to enhance its aroma), then add five times its weight in water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cook covered for 35-40 minutes or until done. Once cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then drain and season to taste.
In an oven-proof pan, toast the rice with a drizzle of oil. Add the hot broth or hot water and, as soon as it returns to a boil, cover with a lid suitable for oven cooking.
Then, bake in a preheated static oven at 392°F for about 30 minutes.
Black rice is not ideal for classic risotto because it is less starchy and less creamy. However, it is possible to prepare a flavorful and creamy dish inspired by risotto, adapting the times and technique.
Toast Venere rice in a drizzle of oil with chopped onion. Optionally, deglaze with white wine, then gradually add hot broth, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is al dente. To make the risotto creamier, add a blended vegetable cream, a pesto or vegetable cream towards the end of cooking.
STORE boiled Venere rice
Once cooked, let the Venere rice cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days.
For later consumption, it can be reheated by steaming, in a pan with a drizzle of oil, or enjoyed cold in salads.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may suffer.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the difference between black rice and Venere rice?
Venere rice is a specific variety of black rice, developed in Italy by crossing an Asian black rice with an Italian variety. Not all black rice is therefore Venere rice: when you see only “black rice,” it could be a different variety, perhaps grown in Asia. Venere rice, however, is Italian, fragrant, and nutritious, and is mainly grown in the Po Valley.
Is Venere rice whole grain?
Venere rice is a type of whole grain rice, which means it retains the bran, germ, and endosperm, thus maintaining all its nutritional properties. This makes it a healthier choice compared to refined white rice.
Why is Venere rice black?
It is black due to the presence of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give the rice its characteristic dark color. These anthocyanins, similar to those found in fruits like blueberries and blackberries, not only give the rice its appearance but also enhance its nutritional value, making it rich in beneficial properties for health.
Black Venere Rice – BENEFITS
Black Venere rice offers numerous benefits: it is rich in antioxidants thanks to anthocyanins, aids digestion due to its high fiber content, and supports heart health with its low glycemic index. It is also a good source of minerals like iron and magnesium and contains plant proteins, making it ideal for a healthy and balanced diet.
Black Venere Rice – CONTRAINDICATIONS
It can cause digestive problems in those not accustomed to a high-fiber diet. Additionally, it may be contaminated with gluten during processing, so those with celiac disease should choose a certified gluten-free variety. Finally, like other types of rice, it may contain traces of arsenic, so it is best consumed in moderation.
Does Venere rice make you gain weight?
Black Venere rice, like other whole grains, does not cause weight gain if consumed in moderation. It is high in fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer, and has a low glycemic index, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. However, as with any food, it is important to pay attention to portions and the overall dietary context.
Can black rice cause constipation?
Being high in fiber, Venere rice generally aids digestion, but excessive consumption can cause bloating or constipation, especially if you’re not used to a high-fiber diet. It’s important to consume it in moderation and accompany it with sufficient water.
