Cooking hand-pounded rice, also known as unpolished or brown rice, is slightly different from cooking polished white rice. Brown rice retains its bran layer, which means it has more nutrients and a nuttier flavor but also requires a longer cooking time. Here’s how to cook hand-pounded rice:
Ingredients:
- Hand-pounded rice
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Equipment:
- Saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
- Measuring cup
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
- Fork
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice (Optional):
- Rinsing brown rice is optional but can help remove excess starch and improve the texture. Place the hand-pounded rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. Alternatively, you can skip this step if you prefer.
- Measure the Rice and Water:
- Use a measuring cup to portion out the amount of hand-pounded rice you want to cook. The general ratio for brown rice is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- Soak the Rice (Optional):
- Soaking brown rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with water, and let it soak. Drain the rice before cooking.
- Boil Water:
- In a saucepan, bring the measured water to a boil over high heat. If you soaked the rice, you can use fresh water for cooking.
- Add the Rice:
- Once the water is boiling, add the hand-pounded rice to the saucepan. Stir the rice briefly to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Reduce Heat and Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook for 45-60 Minutes:
- Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Let it simmer for about 45 to 60 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Check the package instructions for more precise cooking times.
- Fluff with a Fork:
- Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Season (Optional):
- You can season the hand-pounded rice with a pinch of salt if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Serve:
- Serve the cooked hand-pounded rice as a side dish or as a base for other dishes. It pairs well with a variety of cuisines and can be used in stir-fries, grain bowls, or alongside curries and stews.
Hand-pounded rice is nutritious and has a lovely nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. It’s a great choice for those looking to incorporate whole grains into their diet. Be patient while cooking it, as the longer cooking time is necessary to fully cook the bran layer and make the rice tender.
