Learn how to wash rice before cooking with this step-by-step guide. Rice is a versatile grain that has gained recognition all over the world. It can be made into several tasty dishes and served as a side dish or main course. In this post, you will learn how to rinse rice, the best way to wash rice, and some other tips.
Why Wash Rice
Should you wash rice? This depends on the type of rice and this is explained below:
It is important to wash rice before cooking to get rid of any dirt, stones or chaff. Rice grains are really tiny and while they are being harvested, stones and sand may end up in the mix.
So, if you're cooking unprocessed rice, straight from the farm, washing the rice is non-negotiable. Unless of course your rice recipe recommends stone consumption. Just kidding!
Furthermore, rice is a very starchy food, and many recipes require that the rice be washed to reduce the starchy content. Otherwise, the cooked rice could end up sticky, soggy, and not very palatable.
Some rice products in the market come pre-washed (processed). You do not need to wash them again before cooking. However, the price of such products exceeds the normal range. So, if you're on a budget, pre-washed rice may not be for you. Not to worry, we'll show you how to wash rice in the following section.
How To Wash Rice Properly (How To Rinse Rice)
Apart from its versatility, the beauty of rice lies in the fact that it is suitable for people of all ages. For babies who are being introduced to solids, rice is a wonderful first cereal.
The best way to wash rice depends on the type of rice in question. If your rice is straight from the farm, your major concern would be to get rid of stones, sand and dust. In that case you can follow these steps:
Put the rice in a bowl twice or triple the size of the rice you want to wash.
Add enough water to totally cover the rice.
Gently swirl the rice and water with your hand in a circular motion. This would help to ensure that the stones and sand particles descend to the bottom of the bowl, while the chaff residue floats at the top.
Gently and slowly, tilt your bowl toward the sink so the excess water at the top flows out with the chaff. Do not turn the rice into a strainer.
When the chaff is gone, use your hands to begin scooping the washed rice into another bowl or pot. Scoop from the top and be careful not to dig in deep.
As you get to the bottom, you'll start to notice the sand particles and stones. At this point, if the dirt is a lot, you could discard the remnant, or if you have the patience, begin to pick out the rice grains from the dirt.
How To Wash Rice Before Cooking (How To Rinse Rice)
If you're using processed, or polished rice, that has no stone, chaff, or sand, all you need to do is;
Add the rice to a bowl with water
Rub the rice grains between both palms repeatedly for about 30 seconds or swirl the rice and water with your hand in a circular motion.
Turn the rice into a strainer to drain.
Repeat the above process till the water runs clear. This usually takes about 3-4 rinses.
Related: How to flavour rice
How to Wash Rice Without a Strainer
Strainers are an important item for the rice washing process. However, they are not indispensable.
So, if you do not have a strainer do not fret. All you need to do is;
Turn the washed rice into a pot that has a tight-fitting lid
Close the lid and hold the pot by its handles with both hands.Use your thumbs to hold the lid firmly in place and then turn the pot over the sink gently. The water will start to run out while the rice stays in the pot.
If your hands get tired in the process, you can set the pot down for a few seconds before you continue. Repeat the process until there's no water left.
Does Washing Rice Remove Nutrients
Washing rice makes it cleaner but in the process, some nutrients could be lost. The starch that is washed away contains some carbohydrates. There could also be a significant loss of vitamin B1 during the washing process. To minimize this, try not to wash your rice repeatedly. One wash using the methods described above should be sufficient.
Does Washing Rice Reduce Calories
Washing rice may reduce the calorie content but not to any noticeable degree. If you'd like to reduce your calorie intake, your best bet would be to reduce the quantity of rice you consume.
More FAQS
What happens if you don't wash rice?
The starch from the rice reacts with hot water while cooking and this make the grains sticky. Washing rice till the water is clear reduces the starch content before cooking and prevents the rice from being sticky.
How long do you rinse rice?
Rinse till the water runs clear and this usually takes about 3-4 rinses. Swirl the rice in water to aid the starch coming off the rice.
More Related Posts
So, there you have it, our tested and trusted rice washing methods. We hope you get to try them out soon. Please let us know if you do.
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How To Wash Rice
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice or any quantity
- Water
Instructions
How To Wash Rice With Stones
- Put the rice in a bowl twice or triple the size of the rice you want to wash.Add enough water to totally cover the rice.
- Gently swirl the rice and water with your hand in a circular motion. This would help to ensure that the stones and sand particles descend to the bottom of the bowl, while the chaff residue floats at the top.
- Gently and slowly, tilt your bowl toward the sink so the excess water at the top flows out with the chaff. Do not turn the rice into a strainer.
- When the chaff is gone, use your hands to begin scooping the washed rice into another bowl or pot. Scoop from the top and be careful not to dig in deep.
- As you get to the bottom, you'll start to notice the sand particles and stones. At this point, if the dirt is a lot, you could discard the remnant, or if you have the patience, begin to pick out the rice grains from the dirt.
How To Wash Rice (processed, polished)
- Add the rice to a bowl with water.
- Rub the rice grains between both palms repeatedly for about 30 seconds or swirl the rice and water with your hand in a circular motion.
- Turn the rice into a strainer to drain. Repeat the above process till the water runs clear. This usually takes about 3-4 rinses.
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