Whole red rice cooked in a pressure cooker, saucepan or oven is an easy recipe: in summer it’s great cold for big salads, while in winter it’s ideal served hot with seasonal winter vegetables.
Red rice is always wholegrain and therefore naturally rich in fiber. It’s a good ally for cholesterol control and a better choice for those who like to eat healthily, especially if you choose organic and Italian rice, perfect for everyday cooking.
#grainscooking
How to cook:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Pressure cooker
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 356.00 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 82.22 (g) of which sugars 0.00 (g)
- Proteins 8.89 (g)
- Fat 0.00 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 4.40 (g)
- Sodium 593.37 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 300 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
Whole red rice
PORTION per person
🍀 red rice boiled as a side: about 60-80 g (≈ 2-3 oz)
🍀 red rice cooked for salad or main dishes: about 80-100 g (≈ 3-3.5 oz)
- 1 1/8 cup red rice
- 2 1/2 cups water (at least 3 times the weight of the rice)
- to taste coarse salt
Tools
- Pressure cooker
- Colander
Easy recipes: RED RICE
Place the grains in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Gently stir with your hands to help remove surface dust and impurities.
Then drain the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water.
If the red rice is parboiled or pre-cooked (usually Scotti or Gallo), reduce cooking times and the amount of water, following the package instructions.
Meanwhile, whole red rice (brands like Alce Nero or Baule Volante) cooks as follows:RATIO: water about 3 times the weight of the rice (start with cold salted water)
🍀 cook for 18-20 minutes from the first whistle
Place the rice in the pressure cooker (to enhance its flavor you can lightly toast it before adding water), cover with three times its weight in cold water, then add salt and close. At the first whistle, lower the heat and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally; this way, cooking will continue (for 3-5 minutes) safely and efficiently. Drain and fluff the rice; optionally add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
RATIO: water about 5 times the weight of the rice (start with cold salted water)
🍀 cook over low heat for 35-40 minutes
Put the rice in a saucepan (to enhance flavor you can lightly toast it first), cover with about five times its weight in cold water, add salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 35-40 minutes. Drain and season as desired.RATIO: water about 2 times the weight of the rice
Use broth or hot water
🍀 cook covered at 392°F for 30 minutes
Toast the rice with a drizzle of oil, then transfer it to a baking dish, cover with about two times its weight in broth or hot water and add salt if needed. Cover and bake in the oven at 392°F for about 30 minutes.Wholegrain rice is not suitable for classic risotto because it contains less starch, but you can obtain a creamy dish inspired by risotto with a few tricks.
Toast the rice in a drizzle of oil with chopped onion, optionally deglaze with white wine and add hot broth little by little, stirring occasionally. Cook for 35-40 minutes until al dente. For a creamier texture, finish with a vegetable cream, a pesto or some plant-based cream.🍀 Quick times: whole red rice cooks in about 18 minutes.
🍀 Nutrient preservation: it better retains nutritional properties thanks to sealed cooking.
🍀 Intense flavors: it preserves taste better when cooked in a closed environment.
🍀 Energy saving: uses less energy than traditional cooking.
In conclusion, whole rice is faster and tastier.
Can you prepare red rice in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can cook it in advance. Then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm it over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the grains soft.
Pairings and curiosities
Can I replace white rice with red rice in recipes?
You can replace white rice in almost all preparations, from hot dishes to salads. It has a firmer texture and a slightly stronger flavor, making dishes more nutritious and higher in fiber.
Which vegetables and sides pair best with red rice?
Vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and savoy cabbage pair perfectly with whole red rice. Simple steamed or lightly sautéed sides also enhance its naturally rustic delicacy.
How to enhance its flavor in the kitchen?
Add seasonal vegetables, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end, fresh aromatic herbs or mild spices such as turmeric and paprika to highlight the unique taste of red rice without overpowering it.
Which spices or herbs enhance it?
Rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley and basil, together with mild spices like turmeric, sweet paprika or pepper, elevate the natural flavor of red rice without overwhelming it.
Can red rice be used for salads or cold dishes?
Yes, it holds its texture well even when cold, making it ideal for salads, bowls or dishes to take to the office. Just cook it al dente and cool it quickly to preserve flavor and nutrients.
Red rice and health
What are the benefits?
Naturally wholegrain and rich in fiber, useful for digestion and satiety. It helps keep cholesterol under control, contributes to blood sugar balance and provides antioxidants and valuable minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious choice for daily eating.
What are its properties?
It is a whole cereal with a good fiber content, B vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium. It contains natural antioxidants that support cellular protection and contributes to a balanced diet, making it ideal for those who want a nutritious and light dish.
What’s the difference between black rice and red rice?
The main difference between black rice and red rice lies in flavor and nutrients: black rice has a more intense, toasted taste and is rich in antioxidants, while red rice has a milder taste, lots of fiber and helps control cholesterol. Both are wholegrain and excellent healthy choices.
Are there any contraindications?
It is safe when consumed as food, but it contains monacolins similar to statins: people taking cholesterol medications or with liver problems should consult their doctor. In large amounts it can have a laxative effect, but it normally does not present contraindications.
Does red rice make you gain weight?
It does not make you gain weight if consumed in normal amounts as part of a balanced diet. Being wholegrain it is rich in fiber, which increases satiety and helps control appetite. As with all cereals, excess can lead to a caloric surplus.
