Tip #39 - The Easiest Gourmet Rice

WOULD YOU BELIEVE: There is a simple way to make rice taste like a "gourmet" rice. It takes no extra time at all. SOME FACTS: Basmati brown rice is a rich and aromatic grain from India. It is known as the "King of Rice" and is eaten by India's elite.I strongly urge you to try this grain. While there are hundreds of different types of rice in the world, this is my personal favorite. Even people who have never tried brown rice generally like this particular variety. You can find it in most health food stores. All you have to do is prepare it as you would prepare any other brown rice.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Here are two delicious basmati rice recipes: one is a basic, the other is a gourmet dish that is still easy to prepare.

Basmati Brown Rice
2C Basmati (or other brown Rice)
3½-4 C Water
Sea salt

Gently wash rice until water rinses clear. If possible, soak for 2 to 6 hours.
Place in 2-quart pot (stainless steel is best). Cover rice with water and add sea salt. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce flame then simmer for 45 minutes to one hour. (Do not uncover rice while cooking.) When done, remove from flame and let sit for 10 more minutes before serving. Makes 6 cup portions. (1 portion = 216 calories, 1.8 grams fat, 9% protein, 83% carbohydrates, 7% fat)
∇ You may also prepare basmati in a rice cooker or pressure cooker. See Eat More, Weigh Less™ Tip #7 and Tip # 8.

∇Thai Rice

2C Brown basmati rice
1 stalk Lemon grass (optional, available at your Asian grocery or health food store)
¼C Sweet yellow onion, chopped medium fine
¼C Golden raisins (optional)
3 Tbsp. Brewed jasmine tea (prepared from tea bag)
2 Tbsp. Fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. Lime zest (finely grated lime peel)
several Lime wedges, to garnish several Sprigs of fresh mint Sprigs of fresh parsley

Cook rice, steaming if possible until fluffy and soft.
Chop onion into medium fine pieces. Prepare lime zest, juice, and lime quarters. Finely chop lemon grass, mint, and parsley.
Lightly sauté onions, lemon grass, and lime zest together over high heat, in jasmine tea. This is the same process as sautéing in water.

∇ Remember: To water sauté, you simply place several tablespoons of water in a heated skillet in place of oil, and watch a bit more closely so the food doesn't stick.

∇Add precooked rice to skillet and mix well, just until heated through and steaming. Be careful not to cook it too long. Turn off heat and quickly fold in chopped mint, parsley and golden raisins, mixing well. Place in serving dish and garnish with lime wedges, mint, and parsley sprigs. Serve hot. Makes 5 portions. (1 portion = 307.3 calories, 2.6 grams fat, 8% protein, 85% carbohydrates, 7% fat)