How to Cook Black Rice on the Stovetop: Easy Method & Health Benefits

Firstly, what is black rice? No, it's not the same as wild rice. It has a similar texture to brown rice, but I find it more flavourful. It has a slightly chewy texture, mild flavour, and many nutritional benefits, black rice can be cooked as a sweet or savoury meal.

I first tasted this at my favourite lunch place Jos in a poke bowl. Black rice is prepared similarly to brown rice. To avoid a starchy taste it is best to rinse the rice in cold water before cooking.

What is black rice?

Also, know forbidden rice. Why? In ancient China, black rice was considered so unique and nutritious that it was forbidden to eat by everyone except royalty. It has existed for over 9000 years in China and parts of Asia.

Why is black rice black? Black rice is black-purple due to a pigment called anthocyanin, which has potent antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits of Black Rice

• Higher in protein than red, brown or white
• Good source of iron
• High in fibre
• Rich in antioxidants
• contains anthocyanin (also found in blueberries and purple potatoes)
• Research has found that anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects
  Source
  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-rice-benefits#1.-Good-source-of-several-nutrients

Method

1. Rinse rice under cold water before cooking.
2. Add 1 cup rice to 2.5 cups of water. This may need adjusting depending on the brand used.
3. Boil on medium to high heat for 35 minutes until all the water is absorbed. If you cook it too high you may run out of water if this happens, don't stress add a little more, I have made this mistake numerous times! Please don't feel like you need to rinse.
4. Remove from the heat and rest for 10 minutes with the lid on before serving. Use a fork to fluff it up.
5. Once the rice has rested, use brown or white rice in a stir fry, poke bowl or rice pudding. I have been experimenting with both sweet and savoury recipes. Black rice pudding with blackberries or blueberries, black rice stir fry with miso, mushrooms and black beans.

A few recipes using cooked black rice:

Sweet Potato and Black Rice

This black rice recipe with pre-roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and edamame beans and is served with fresh green leaves and a sprinkle of toasted seeds.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Black Rice Stir Fry

I have used cooked black rice (I cook it the day before required), black beans, mushrooms, an onion, garlic, and edamame beans, and flavoured with a splash of tamari (or soya sauce)You could mix and match different combinations depending on what you have in your kitchen.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Blueberry Black Rice Pudding

I discovered black rice recently and have enjoyed creating this black rice blueberry pudding, I have also made this using blackberries. I use frozen berries because it’s not berry season here in Sweden. Precooking the black rice before making this is the best way to whip it up.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Delicious & nutritious black rice salad recipe

My latest black rice creation is my delicious and nutritious black rice salad. If you’re looking to add a burst of flavour, colour, and nutrition to your meals, this black rice salad is a fantastic choice.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P