Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice and has more nutrients. However, it takes longer to cook and can be difficult to get right. This recipe makes it easy to make perfectly cooked brown rice every time.
Add the brown rice, water, and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
1. Soak the rice for 30 minutes
This healthy brown rice recipe combines the flavors of Indian lemon turmeric rice with edamame beans and carrots. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet while still getting that authentic zesty lemon flavor!
This version of traditional Indian lemon rice uses brown rice, making it a healthier option than white rice. It’s also packed with turmeric, chillies, ginger, and spices to give it that delicious zesty flavor!
Before you start cooking, it’s important to soak the rice. This helps it cook faster and makes it softer. To do this, place the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Then, let it soak for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, drain the rice and discard the water. Then, place the rice in a clean pot and bring it to a boil. Make sure that you use a ratio of 2:1 (water:rice). Add salt to the water as well, if necessary.
2. Bring the water to a boil
Use a large pot and add double the volume of water as rice (or whatever your rice package instructs). You want the liquid to just come back to a boil, not bubble over, which could make a mess.
When the water reaches a boil, stir it and add salt. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer. The lid should be tight and you should see and hear wisps of steam escaping it, not peeking or stirring the rice.
Using the stovetop method of cooking brown rice will give you perfectly separate, fluffy grains. It's also a good way to add flavor by toasting the grains, which can infuse the rice with an aromatic, nutty flavor. Some people also use a pinch of butter, garlic salt or cayenne pepper when boiling brown rice, but you can adjust these ingredients according to your taste.
3. Add the rice
The rice must be measured carefully in order to arrive at the correct ratio of water. It might take some time to figure it out based on your type of rice and cooking vessel, but the end result will be perfectly cooked brown rice with the texture you want.
Before adding the rice, rinse it a few times in a fine mesh strainer. This step removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice. It’s important to use a large amount of water when rinsing rice, and you should agitate the grains as you run the water over them to ensure that the water runs clear.
After washing and draining the rice, add it to a pot with salt and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Cook for about 18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
4. Reduce the heat
Brown rice is slower to cook than white, but it's well worth the wait. The grains have a hard nutritional hull that is left on during milling, and it's difficult to achieve the right balance between the low heat absorption method that cooks it quickly and the high-heat cooking process that creates the texture you love.
The key to perfect basmati rice is using the right amount of liquid for the amount of rice, and letting it rest before digging in. A little bit of oil and a few spices adds flavor. Other liquids, like chicken broth, can add extra nutrition and flavor as well.
The addition of edamame beans (tender, immature soybeans in the pod) gives this Indian lemon rice recipe an added protein boost. Turmeric, chillies and ginger spice it up for bold flavors that pair well with the citrusy taste of the lemon zest.
5. Cover the pot
Brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice, and it is therefore better for diabetics. It also has more fiber, which helps to reduce high cholesterol levels. This makes it a healthier choice for lunch or dinner, especially when served with curries.
The best way to cook brown rice is to use a pressure cooker. The pressure cooker method is quicker, and it ensures that the brown rice is cooked evenly. In addition, it is much easier to monitor the cooking process with a pressure cooker than with a regular pot.
When using a pressure cooker, be sure to add enough water to cover the rice. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. After the cooking time is over, allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the grains to absorb any excess moisture, and it will result in light, fluffy brown rice.
6. Cook for 30 minutes
This recipe works well with any type of brown rice, but I recommend using medium grain or long grain for the best texture. I also recommend using a stainless steel pot to cook the rice, as this will help prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
The key to cooking brown rice is to use the right amount of water. Too little and the rice will be crunchy; too much and it will be mushy. The best way to avoid this is to soak the rice before cooking it.
Once the rice is cooked, it is important to let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the rice to cool down and firm up a bit, making it easier to scoop out of the pot without breaking. If you want, you can serve the rice with a side of boiled vegetables like cabbage or carrots.
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