How does the volume of rice increase during cooking?
Probably, everyone wondered how to make rice that tastes excellent at home and without using specially designed equipment. You must clearly know the basic rules, and adhere to them in the cooking process. For example, an increase in cereals in size, the exact cooking time and other nuances.
Peculiarities
The correctness of cooking is easy to determine by the appearance of the cereal. In addition, it will have a special, pleasant aroma. Rice grains are clean, separated from each other and have a soft taste. Such a dish will be very tasty and does not even require additions. Rice is an excellent base, which is combined with other dishes and additives as a side dish or on its own.
Since there are different varieties of cereal, you can experiment with taste and sensations. So, long-grain is more tender and light. In Asian countries, a round cereal with a sticky structure is popular. Basmati is dry and nutty in taste, making it the go-to choice for those seeking such properties.
Correct amount calculation
Like all cereals, rice grains increase in volume during cooking. The finished dish will be different from the original quantity. So, approximately from a glass of raw rice you get 3.5. If we take the average value (for example, lunch for an ordinary family), two hundred grams of the product will be enough.Based on these calculations, a company of 3-4 people will need 1.5 cups of rice. With an increase in the number of those who need to be fed, the volume of cereals also grows - it will take two glasses for 4-6 people already.
Cooking rules
The interval from turning on the stove to the readiness of the product is half an hour. For a rational waste of time, it is better to initially cook cereals, and then engage in other dishes. Rice stays warm for about 30 minutes. When spent on the main food within 1 hour with a side dish, there will be no problems. Cereal during heat treatment changes volume. After removing the pan from the heat, the groats only “fail”.
Some varieties from Asia tend to swell slightly after heating. At ceremonial meals, rice is prepared immediately before or shortly after the meeting of the guests. Cooking does not cause anxiety among the owners. You can devote yourself to those present, treating them along the way with drinks and light snacks, absolutely not being distracted by the kitchen.
In order to avoid rapid cooling after readiness, it is advisable to place the container in an oven heated to a low temperature.
Indispensable conditions
To get the best result, it is useful to read the recommendations on the package. Receptions may vary based on the variety and name of the future culinary delight. If you intend to please your home pilaf, you should take into account the increase in rice several times. Vegetables and oil to a lesser extent affect the volume. The mass of rice will increase when immersed in water.
Cooking changes
In finished form, the weight is increased by half. A prerequisite for obtaining a friable product is the correct calculation of the liquid. It is important to ensure its abundance. With a lack of water, the product does not reach the desired degree of readiness and may burn during evaporation.Excess water also does not guarantee a delicious lunch due to excessive moisture and softness. Experienced housewives adhere to 1: 3 proportions.
To prepare milk porridge, a significant amount of milk is required, since in this case the most famous varieties increase by 3.5 times.
Due to the frequent burning of milk, continuous monitoring is necessary for the process.
Cooking time
Rice is a wonderful and versatile side dish, worthy of serving even on a festive table. Its taste, texture directly depend on the method and time of its preparation. The cooking time of this cereal, taking into account the time for boiling water, is about 30 minutes, if you cook longer, then it boils soft. As a rule, rice is cooked first, because after it is ready, it retains heat for half an hour. During the cooling period, it “reaches” the most pleasant, steamed consistency, becomes moderately hot and is ready to complement meat, fish or vegetable dishes.
Often, cereal is used for salads, so after cooking it is necessary to wait for it to cool completely. Rice groats completely cool down within one and a half hours after readiness. In this case, the cereal becomes more rigid than when it is served warm. Such a difference in the consistency of rice groats must be taken into account when determining its compatibility with various products. So, cooled, dense rice goes well with seafood, vegetables, while a soft, steamed version can significantly improve the taste of meat and fish dishes.
Rice, like many cereals, swells during cooking, increases in volume. The increase occurs approximately 2-3 times, depending on the amount of water added and the intensity of the fire during cooking.
Nuances in the preparation of cereals
This cereal is of different varieties, undergoes various types of processing in production. Groats producers process rice in accordance with its purpose - for side dishes, cereals, soups, and so on. Therefore, when choosing cereals, you must carefully read the packaging with the designation of the rice variety and the method of its processing and the instructions, which indicate the nuances of cooking and the purpose of a particular rice variety.
Different varieties of rice increase in volume when cooked in different ways. So, long-grain rice increases in volume less than round. Wild, brown rice swells an average of 1-1.5 times.
Any variety of rice absorbs less liquid when cooked in milk than when cooked in water.
Calculation of the ratio of cereals and liquid during cooking
When adding an insufficient amount of liquid for cooking rice, the cereal will begin to burn from the bottom of the pan and after half an hour the product will remain raw, that is, actually spoiled. At the same time, a large amount of water in the pan will cause the rice to boil, losing its shape and taste. The optimal ratio of water and rice is considered to be 1: 2, milk - about 1: 1.
The proportions of liquid and cereal must also be adjusted depending on the intensity of the fire. If desired, excess water is removed with a ladle. Therefore, when preparing rice dishes, it is important to monitor the condition of the product during its cooking.
You will learn more about how to cook rice properly in the following video.