How to cook Jasmine rice?
In Thailand, a unique variety of rice grows, which has gained popularity all over the world due to its unique aroma. The Thais call it "White Jasmine Flower" because its fragrance really resembles this amazing flower. In other countries, it is customary to call this culture - Jasmine rice. It is the main product for the people of Thailand, because not only first courses and side dishes are prepared from it, but also all kinds of desserts.
Features of grain crop
Rice "Jasmine" is loved for its exquisite floral aroma and inimitable milky flavor. During the preparation of dishes, it is not customary to use a large amount of spices and herbs, as is done with other varieties of this grain, instead, spicy, spicy sauces are served with the main treat. As for desserts, coconut milk is often used for their preparations to further emphasize the tenderness of taste.
"Jasmine" brings great benefits to the body, as its composition is rich in vitamins and microelements that improve metabolic processes. It is indicated for use by people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, oncology, disorders of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. In addition, rice can be consumed during diets, because it is high in fiber and gluten-free.
But it should be noted that for people prone to diabetes, this product is contraindicated due to the high glycemic index.
Cooking rules
By itself, Jasmine rice tends to stick together if you do not follow all the rules for its preparation.But it is interesting that at the same time it does not boil soft, but retains its shape. To make the dish crumbly, you need to thoroughly rinse the cereal, and also cook in a small amount of water. In Thailand, it is customary to steam Jasmine in tied muslin knots.
But there are a few tricks, thanks to which you can learn how to properly cook cereals at home using a regular pot or slow cooker.
First of all, the rice must be sorted out to remove the darkened elements and debris, and then it is thoroughly washed in cold water until the liquid becomes clear. Further, it is recommended to soak the grits for 20-30 minutes to speed up the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
Further actions will depend on the method of preparation of Jasmine.
- In a saucepan. Groats are poured into a container with cold salted water, observing the proportions 1: 2. Thus, it will not so much boil as steam. When the water boils, you need to reduce the heat and cover the pan with a lid. After 20 minutes, "Jasmine" is removed from the heat and gently beat with a fork, after which it is again covered with a lid and let it brew for another 5 minutes.
- Steam in a saucepan. Washed rice is poured onto a metal mesh and placed on a pot of boiling water. There should be little liquid - about 350 ml. Close the container with a lid, reduce the heat and cook the rice for about 20-25 minutes. The softened cereal is transferred to a deep container, salted and gently mixed.
- In a multicooker. Having chosen the “steamed” mode, the pre-soaked rice is placed in a special basket and the tank is filled with water. If the bottom of the basket has too large holes, then it should be covered with foil, making small holes in it with a needle.The cooking time is 40 minutes, after which you do not need to immediately open the multicooker lid - let the cereal stand for another 15 minutes. At the end, the dish is salted to taste and served.
- In the oven. Prepared "Jasmine" is placed in a baking dish or in a cast-iron cauldron, poured with water in proportions of 1: 2, salt is added to taste. The oven is heated to + 160ºС, after which rice is placed. The cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, but it is important to monitor the amount of water so that the cereal does not start to burn on the container.
Important! It is necessary to store ready-made Jasmine rice in the refrigerator, in an airtight tray, otherwise it will absorb the smell of other products, and its taste may also change. The shelf life of the dish should not exceed three days, since in the future it will begin to lose its beneficial properties.
How to cook pilaf with Jasmine rice, see the following video.