The Rice is Right or, Variety is the Rice of Life

Rice is as old as dirt…well, almost. Archeological evidence suggests that rice was domesticated over 10,000 years ago in the Pearl River region of China. Rice is also as abundant as bad reality television shows…well, almost. It ranks third in terms of global crop production behind sugarcane and corn. Rice is also consumed almost as much as Nicholas Sparks’ novels…well, almost. It comprises 20% of global caloric intake.

Rice also comes in many varieties in three main categories; long-grain, short-grain and specialty. That being the case it can be difficult to determine which type of rice to include in which dish. Which type is best for stir-fries, pilaf, risotto or rice pudding? Well, read on dedicated epicurean, read on.

So you say you’ve got a hankering for a curry dish, Middle Eastern cuisine or some delicious New Orleans style gumbo? Then the recently popular, Indian/Pakistani long-grain basmati rice is the choice for you due to its spicy aroma and flavor. Or are you preparing to roll your own blun…er, I mean sushi? If that’s the case, select a premium Japanese short-grain rice for this difficult task as this type is sufficiently glutinous (sticky) and some brands have a lovely nutty flavor.

How about a delectable stir-fry dish, a bed for grilled or fried foods or a rice-based soup? Then choose what the Thais choose; jasmine rice. This is due to its moist, soft texture and sweet flavor and fragrance. As for the ever popular rice side dish, risotto, then there is only one real choice, and that’s the Italian short-grain Arborio rice. This is because Arborio becomes creamy and smooth when cooked properly.

Finally, if you’re cooking up some rice pudding or pilaf, then go with the Bangladeshi, specialty rice known as kalijira due to its non-glutinous and consistent nature. OK, one more; for some paella to-die-for, select bomba as this Spanish rice absorbs three times its volume in broth while still remaining firm.

So if a rice-based dish is in your future, please don’t simply grab a box of Uncle Ben’s and hope for the best. One must ensure the rice is right in order to ensure consumer satisfaction.And if it’s too hot or too much work to make your own, try one of MagicKitchen.com’s rice dishes.  Lemon Risotto, Rice Pilaf and Rice with Vegetables are all on our side dish menu!

~Steve, MagicKitchen.com Blogger