The secret behind delightful rice recipes

Rice has become an essential item in every family shopping list. This humble grain is present in almost every meal in people’s homes.

The reasons for its popularity are varied. Price and versatility stand out as the main explanations. The way of cooking and the taste are also good characteristics to consider.

The truth is that there are plenty of reasons for the privileged positions of rice in the pantries. There is no place where people have not eaten a bowl of delicious rice.

Different rice dishes

There are countless rice recipes around the world. The typical dishes of some countries are made with rice as the starting ingredient. There is risotto in Italy, paella in Spain, sushi in Japan, and fried rice in China.

There is no denying that whatever the dish, they all taste amazing. If you could, you would eat them all the time. But, your budget cannot afford to spend your money all the time in restaurants.

So the solution would be to cook these international rice dishes at home. You have tried, but when you try to replicate any of the international dishes at home, they do not come out the same. Taste and texture are different, even using local herbs and high-quality ingredients.

Recognizing the types of rice

Well, here is the secret you do not know. There are more than 40,000 varieties of rice, and for those rice meals you want to recreate at home, a specific type of rice is used. It is responsible for giving the precise aroma, texture, and taste to delightful rice preparations.

In general terms, most grocery stores offer a vast repertoire of rice. If you look closer, you will discover the different types you can buy. The safest option is always a package of white rice. This variety is known as long-grain rice.

Perhaps you use this type for all dishes you prepare at home. But, there are plenty more, and once you learn to identify any of them, you will recreate the most delicious and authentic rice dishes or create original rice preparations.

For practical purposes, rice is grouped according to its size. The classification is as follows:

• Long-grain rice: It is four times longer than wider. Its texture is light and fluffy when cooked. These rice types are white rice, basmati, jasmine, and brown rice.
• Medium-grain rice: It is shorter and wider. Its texture is tender, chewy and a bit sticky. Medium-grain rice includes Carnaroli, bomba and Arborio, a type of rice you can learn more about at  https://riceselect.com/product/arborio.
• Short-grain rice: It is twice as wide. The final texture is soft, tender, and very sticky. Short-grain rice types are sushi rice, glutinous rice, and brown short-grain rice.

A specific type of rice for every dish

The final texture of rice defines the dishes’ iconic taste and consistency.  This is why you must use the exact type for specific rice preparations.

Check the fooling guidance:

• Long-grain rice: It is preferred for cooking curry, pilafs, bowls, casseroles, stir-fries, and salads.
• Medium-grain rice: It is ideal for rice pudding, risottos, paella, and soups.
• Short-grain rice: It is the best option for sushi, poke bowls, rice balls, and sushi burritos.

So you now know the secret behind the exquisite rice preparations. You can start making restaurant–quality dishes at home using the correct type of rice.

To begin with, try the following recipe and make an authentic Italian risotto.

Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients (4 servings):

• Saffron threads.
• 1/2 cup of warm water.
• 1 diced yellow onion.
• 2 tablespoons of butter.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 150 grams of mushrooms.
• 100 grams of peas.
• 350 grams of Arborio rice.
• 100 ml of dry white wine.
• 1 litre of vegetable broth.
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Preparation:

1. Infuse the saffron threads in 1/2 cup of warm water for 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, pour olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter and heat at medium temperature.
3. Cook onion for 5 minutes. Then, incorporate the mushrooms and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Add rice, stir, and let it toast for 2 minutes.
5. Pour wine and heat until it evaporates.
6. Pour vegetable broth in small amount each time. Add more when it is absorbed, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Incorporate the saffron threads and mix very well.
8. Add the rest of the butter and Parmesan cheese and combine.
9. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top.