5 Super-Healthy Rices You've Never Tried (Plus, Win a Deluxe Rice Cooker!)
Beyond brown, white, and wild, there's a world of exotic rices waiting to be explored. These are worth seeking out for their good looks, distinctive textures, and intriguing flavors--qualities that play well in side dishes, stuffings, pilafs, and even desserts. And they're healthful: Low-fat and gluten-free, these rices provide a daily dose of fiber--and some pack a nice share of vitamin C, iron, and potassium, too.
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1/ Carolina Gold Rice
This heritage grain is a true standout, with a plump, fluffy texture and a roasted aroma. Carolina Gold offers hauntingly buttery flavor because the rice's germ and inner bran layer are left in. Try it alongside curry or a spice-rubbed pork roast. Because Carolina Gold is perishable, it should be stored in the freezer. Cooking time: 20 minutes. $7 for a 14-ounce bag; 803-467-4122; ansonmills.com
2/ Riso Nero
A new hybrid from the Piedmont region of Italy, riso nero is a cross between Italian risotto rice and Chinese black rice. The result? The purple-black grain is firm and cooks up as creamy as risotto. Boil like pasta, drain, and mix with chopped sautéed carrots, celery, and shrimp. Cooking time: 40 minutes. $17 for a 2.2-pound bag; 888-952-4005; markethallfoods.com
3/ Bhutanese Red Rice
This rust-colored short-grain rice is plump and chewy, with a subtle, earthy flavor. In many parts of Bhutan, it's a staple. Tossed with chopped vegetables, nuts, and dried cranberries or golden raisins, red rice would make a beautiful and delicious pilaf; add shredded roast chicken for a satisfying main-dish salad. Cooking time: 20 minutes. $4 for a 15-ounce bag; 866-972-6879; lotusfoods.com
4/ Organic Jade Pearl Rice
Infused with bamboo extract, this rice retains its lovely spring-green color during cooking. It has a tender texture and a clean, grassy flavor that may remind you of green tea. Try it alongside roasted halibut or salmon seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and scallions. Cooking time: 20 minutes. $4 for a 15-ounce bag; 866-972-6879; lotusfoods.com
5/ Purple Sticky Rice
Whether tucked into hand rolls or served with sashimi, this reddish-purple sticky rice is a striking and delicious change from white sushi rice. It's also great served as a Thai-style dessert: warm, sauced with sweetened coconut cream, and garnished with fresh mango slices and toasted coconut. Cooking time: 45 minutes. $4 for a 16-ounce bag; 208-267-0627; purcellmountainfarms.com
Enter for a chance to Win A Deluxe Rice Cooker!
Tell us about your favorite rice dish in the comments section. Our favorite comment will take home a new Zojirushi Heat Induction rice cooker (pictured left) worth over $500!*
The contest ends 11:59 P.M. Thursday, April 15 (so be sure to post your comment by then!) and we will announce a winner on Friday, April 16.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. CLICK HERE for full rules
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