Cooking unpolished rice is a great way to get the full nutritional benefits of the grain. Unpolished rice contains all the essential nutrients lost in the process of polishing rice and, as such, is more nutritious than polished white rice.
Here's a guide on how to cook tasty and healthy unpolished rice:
1. Rinse the Rice Thoroughly
Start by rinsing your unpolished rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the grains, as well as helps to remove unrefined rice varieties.
2. Soak the Rice
Soaking your unpolished rice helps to reduce cooking time and make it softer and easier to digest by allowing it to absorb some moisture from being soaked. Place your desired amount of unrefined rice into a bowl and cover it with four times its volume in cold water for at least ½ an hour before cooking (the longer you soak it, up to 8 hours, the better).
3. Cook the Rice
Once you’ve soaked your unrefined grains, you’re ready to start cooking! Bring a pot of two parts water and one part unrefined grains to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce your heat level so that they boil at a moderate pace while occasionally stirring, so they don’t stick together or burn on the bottom of your pan. Once boiling, cover securely and turn down heat lower, so it maintains its steady simmer until all excess liquid has been absorbed (this will take around 15-20 minutes). Once fully cooked through – fluff gently with a fork before serving hot!
4. Let Unpolished Rice Stand After Cooking
Finally, fluff cooked unpolished with a fork and leave for five minutes or so before serving – this allows some steam from the boiling process will evenly distribute itself within each grain of cooked food item! Serve alongside curries or stir fries as desired!
Be Blessed!
Nalini Murthy