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Sorts of Rice

Parboiled Rice
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Parboiled rice is regular white rice that has been pre-treated by being steamed under pressure. This process forces nutrients, especially t(h)iamine B1 vitamins, from the husk into the rice grains, increasing the rice's nutritional value and making it firmer. Parboiled rice doesn't stick together as much during cooking as regular white rice and has a mild flavor that goes well with many different dishes.

 

While cooked rice is not supposed to stick, in Asian cuisine they often serve steam boiled sticky rice (glutinous rice) on the side to avoid that they absorb moisture from the items on the main plate. Sticky rice is ideal for eating with chopsticks because its high starch content causes grains to cling together in clumps, preventing them from falling between the sticks. While often used for dishes like sushi, Thai sticky rice, or onigiri, it is best eaten by bringing the bowl close to the mouth, using the chopsticks to push or shovel the rice.
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Basmati Rice
​Mainly from India and Pakistan.
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Jasmine Rice
​Mainly from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
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Bulgur Rice
Bulgur is a quick-cooking whole grain made from parboiled, dried, and cracked wheat kernels, commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a chewy texture, mild nutty flavor, and acts as a high-fiber, high-protein alternative to rice. It is not gluten-free.
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Couscous
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Couscous is a North African type of pasta, that looks like rice to me, in the form of groats made from crushed, soaked durum wheat, which is mixed by hand with fine wheat flour, thereby forming rounded groats.
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Oat Rice

Oat rice is a nutritious, high-fiber, and sustainable alternative to traditional rice, made from whole oat groats that are lightly polished or processed to mimic the texture of rice. It contains roughly twice the protein and significantly more fiber than white rice, with a lower glycemic index. It is versatile, cooking in about 13-15 minutes, and works well in risottos, salads, and side dishes

 

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Black Rice

​Also known as purple rice or forbidden rice, is a range of rice types of the species Oryza sativa, some of which are glutinous rice.
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Whole grain Rice
Whole grain rice is unrefined, intact rice that retains its nutrient-rich bran, germ, and endosperm layers, with only the inedible outer hull removed. Common in brown, red, and black varieties, it is high in fiber, magnesium, and essential vitamins compared to processed white rice.​

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Sushi Rice

Sushi rice (or sumeshi) is Japanese short-grain white rice seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Known for its sticky texture, this rice is specifically prepared for dishes like sushi, nigiri, and poke bowls because it holds its shape while remaining tender and slightly firm.

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General Information


Use just 1 1/4 cups water for every 1 cup of Jasmine rice (the standard for typical white rice is 1 1/2 cups water to 1 cup rice).
Convert Cup (US) to Deciliter
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Basmati rice generally has a higher fiber content than jasmine rice, especially in its whole grain form. Vitamins and minerals: both types of rice provide some essential vitamins and minerals, but the differences are minimal. Whole grain versions of either rice are more nutritious than their white counterparts.
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Rice naturally contains inorganic arsenic, which is considered carcinogenic.
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Norway supposedly has a contingency plan with over 3,000 genetic samples of rice varieties placed on a high mountainside in case of a global or climatic catastrophe.

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In Asian cuisine is common practice to boil rice in a chicken broth.

You could also try out a garlic-fried rice.

Risotto

Italian Cuisine

Risotto is an Italian dish consisting of rice cooked in broth, often with vegetables added like in a mushroom risotto (luxurious with either summer or winter truffles).

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Risotto is served as either a side dish or as a starter.

A risotto needs a bite, but not as al dente as with pasta dishes.

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See also orzotto, bygotto, rugotto, speltotto and kornotto.

Some made with barley grains instead of rice.

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Arborio rice is often used to make risotto; other suitable varieties include Carnaroli, Maratelli, Baldo, and Vialone Nano.

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Risotto vs. Risoni

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Risotto is a creamy Italian dish made by slowly cooking starchy rice (like Arborio) in broth, requiring constant stirring to release starch. Risoni (or orzo) is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks faster, offering a similar, creamy "orzotto" texture when cooked risotto-style but with a firmer al dente bite.

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Key Differences

  • Ingredient: Risotto uses high-starch rice; Risoni is wheat-based pasta.

  • Cooking Time: Risotto takes 20-30 minutes; Risoni cooks in about 10-15 minutes.

  • Texture: Risotto is creamy and soft; Risoni is creamy but chewier.

  • Method: Risotto requires gradual broth addition; Risoni can be boiled or used in one-pot, risotto-style dishes. 

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Which to Choose?

  • Use Risotto for a traditional, authentic, creamy Italian dish.

  • Use Risoni (Orzo) for a quicker weeknight meal, or if you prefer a slightly firmer texture in your "risotto".

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Potato Risotto

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Potato risotto is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish that substitutes or supplements traditional rice with finely diced potatoes, simmered in broth, white wine, and parmesan cheese. It results in a thick, velvety texture, often featuring savory ingredients like bacon, leeks, or rosemary.

Bibimbap

Korean Cuisine

Leftover rice is perfect for bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish designed to use up leftover rice, veggies, and meat. Reheat rice in the microwave, then top with sautéed vegetables (carrots, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini), protein (beef, tofu), a fried egg, and gochujang sauce.

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