Brown rice or unpolished rice is a healthy and nutritious rice that can be easily replaced with white rice. If you are looking for a fuller, rich in minerals and fiber, brown rice stands as the best option. However, cooking time and method are slightly different but you can get your hands on them as you cook them. Here in this post I have shared 2 methods of cooking brown rice which includes open pot method and pressure cooker method.
If you are wondering what is brown rice, then here are the titbits for you. Brown rice is a whole grain rice. The husk is removed while the bran and germ layer is still on the grain. And that’s why the rice is brown. This rice helps in digestion, keeps you full for long hours, and supports your sugar levels because it can control your glycemic index.
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About How to Cook Brown Rice
There are many misconceptions about how to cook brown rice. However, the only difference is it takes a little extra water and time to cook when compared to white rice. As it holds on to the bran layer, nutritional value increases. You can also feel a firmer bite and earthy aroma.
Brown rice can be made in a pressure cooker and open pot. You need the right water ratio and patience to cook the simplest, nutritional, fluffy brown rice. All you need to do is, measure your rice and rinse it well. Soak it in hot water for one hour. Let it cook till soft and tender. You can pressure cook the rice as well.
I was experimenting with both methods. The pot-style method is a recommended one as no water is strained, and the nutrition stays intact. It gives me fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. When I tried my hands on pressure cooking, I found the rice sticky. However, everyone has different preferences and you can go with the one that suits you.
Ingredients
- Brown rice – I have used quality brown rice from Nilgiris. You can pick your favorite brand and follow the method.
- Water – You can use water based on the method you are cooking brown rice.
Why this recipe works?
- Tried and tested recipes in my kitchen.
- High in nutrition and perfect for sugar patients.
- Customize based on your preference.
- Filling and healthy substitute for white rice.
- Supports digestion.
- Pairs well with everything.
Similar Recipes
How to make Brown Rice Step by Step
1.Take brown rice, rinse it well with water.
2.Boil water till it starts boiling rigorously add it to washed rice till immersing level and soak for at least 1 hour. Then in a pan / pot heat and boil 7 cups of water, let it start to boil rigorously.
3.Strain and add the brown rice. Keep covered and cook for 45 minutes. I just opened to show the next stage.
4.After 40-35 minutes if you see the grains would be soft when you press, that is the perfect stage. Switch off and keep closed and let it rest for 15 minutes un disturbed. Then fluff it up with a ladle.
5.For pressure cooking method : Soak rice for an hour. Then in a pressure cooker add 5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice and pressure cook for 1 whistle in medium flame. Then cook for 30 minutes in low flame. Let the pressure release by itself then fluff it off.
Serve hot / warm with curry and vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the rice – It is important to rinse the rice 2-3 times in water to remove the excessive starch and dirt.
- Soak in hot water – This step is essential as it softens the bran and reduces cooking time.
- Measurement – Follow the measurement mentioned in the recipe card for a perfect cooked brown rice.
- Pick the right vessel – Go for heavy heavy-bottomed pan or thick pan to avoid burning of rice as it takes time to cook.
- Pressure cooking – If you are cooking the rice in a pressure cooker, ensure 1-2 whistles in medium flame. After that, cook the rice on low flame for 20-30 minutes. This can bring the exact texture of the rice and the earthy aroma.
- Add a Drop of Oil – You can add a teaspoon of gingelly oil or your regular cooking oil to reduce the stickiness.
Serving & Storage
This rice is paired well with sambar, rasam, or kottu for a wholesome meal. You can serve it hot with kolambu or chicken gravies. It is best for school and office lunch boxes.
Let the rice cool completely before storing. You can add the rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator to avoid sogginess. The rice can stay fresh for 3 days. While reheating, you can sprinkle water to bring back the softness.
FAQS
1.Does brown rice need soaking before cooking?
Yes. It is important to soak the rice in hot water for the bran to slightly soften.
2.Why does my brown rice turn out sticky?
This happens when you are overcooking or adding too much water to the rice. Adjust the water and try cooking in the pot method. You can gain fluffier grains.
3.Is brown rice healthier than white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a healthier option than white rice. The bran and the germ are intact in brown rice, adding nutritional value.
4.How do I store leftover brown rice?
Cool the rice completely and pack it in an airtight container. You can store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5.Can I make a variety rice with Brown rice?
Yes, of course. You can but you will find them slightly chewy.
6.Why does brown rice take longer to cook?
The outer layer of the grains is intact, which makes it tough to cook like white rice. This rice needs extra time, and water to soften.
If you have any more questions about this How to cook brown rice do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .
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📖 Recipe Card
How to cook Brown Rice
Ingredients
Pot method
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
Pressure cooker method
- 1 cup brown rice
- 5 cups water
Instructions
Pot Method
- Take brown rice, rinse it well with water.
- Boil water till it starts boiling rigorously add it to washed rice till immersing level and soak for atleast 1 hour.
- Then in a pan / pot heat and boil 7 cups of water, let it start to boil rigorously.
- Strain and add the brown rice. Keep covered and cook for 45 minutes.
- After 40-35 minutes if you see the grains would be soft when you press, that is the perfect stage. Switch off and keep closed and let it rest for 15 minutes undisturbed. Then fluff it up with a ladle.
Pressure Cooker Method
- For pressure cooking method the soaking method is the same. In a pressure cooker add 5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice and pressure cook for 1 whistle in medium flame.
- Then cook for 30 minutes in low flame. Let the pressure release by itself then fluff it off.
- Serve Brown Rice hot / warm with curry and vegetables.
Notes
- Rinse the rice – It is important to rinse the rice 2-3 times in water to remove the excessive starch and dirt.
- Soak in hot water – This step is essential as it softens the bran and reduces cooking time.
- Measurement – Follow the measurement mentioned in the recipe card for a perfect cooked brown rice.
- Pick the right vessel – Go for heavy heavy-bottomed pan or thick pan to avoid burning of rice as it takes time to cook.
- Pressure cooking – If you are cooking the rice in a pressure cooker, ensure 1-2 whistles in medium flame. After that, cook the rice on low flame for 20-30 minutes. This can bring the exact texture of the rice and the earthy aroma.
- Add a Drop of Oil – You can add a teaspoon of gingelly oil or your regular cooking oil to reduce the stickiness.
SPriya Shan
Healthy recipe
Sherin Deepu
full of goodness
Lax Bak
Healthy one! Can we have this along with our usual sambhar or kuzhambu, will it taste good?
SHARMILEE J
Yes you can eat with regular sambar and poriyal…..You cannot expect the same taste as white rice but it will be good
Vedhavalli
In the pressure cooking method, you have said Cook in Medium flame for 1 whistle and then cook for 30 minutes. What does this mean? Is it cooking in sim flame for 30 minutes after 1 whistle. Can you pls clarify?
Sharmilee J
yes 30 mins in low flame.