Simple Risotto

Rice is a very versatile food which can be a meal in itself, can be eaten cold in salads, hot as a pudding or it can be served as an accompaniment to meals. Use online recipes to get the most out of your packet of rice and experiment with different rice - long grain, short grain, Arborio or risotto rice, pudding rice, brown rice, wild rice and basmati rice.

Here are four ways to use rice: -

1. Boiling rice - Rice is an ideal accompaniment to curry, chili, casseroles, meat in sauces etc. and can also be used to make rice salads. You can purchase rice cookers or microwave rice steam that are worth buying if you do a lot of rice.

For Boil rice in a saucepan, a first step of rice and water. A cup full of rice easily feed two people as a main course accompaniment and you'll need twice as much water as rice, two mugfuls boiling water. Let boil water in a saucepan or use a kettle and pour water in a medium saucepan. When water is boiling, add rice and a little salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a boil, place a lid and cook for about 15 minutes. Different types of rice will take different amounts of time to check the package. If there is still liquid after cooking, simmer a little longer, until it has been absorbed and serve. Some people like to place their cooked rice in a colander and pour boiling water over to rinse, but it is not necessary.

2. Fried Rice - fried rice can be eaten by itself or as an accompaniment to Chinese dishes. It is a great way to use up leftover rice.

Cook rice as usual, then cool. Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and season. Heat oil in large skillet or wok over high heat and add the eggs when the oil is hot. Stir constantly until eggs are softly scrambled. Add rice and soy sauce or oyster sauce. Cook until the rice is hot and everything is combined.
For variety, you can fry the onion in the skillet before adding the eggs and you can also add cooked chicken or cooked, peeled prawns when you add the rice.

3. Risotto - Making a risotto is easy, but it needs your constant attention. Look for risotto arborio rice or in your supermarket.

Saute chopped onion in a large skillet, then add the rice with uncooked mushrooms. Coat the rice in hot oil, then start adding liquid such as stock or white wine or a mixture of both. Add the liquid a little (a ladle full) at a time and add more when the liquid has been absorbed by rice. Stir regularly to stop the rice glue. Once the rice is cooked and creamy (to taste), add a knob of butter, grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

For variety, you can also add cooked chicken, sausage or shrimp, frozen peas or sweetcorn - experience.

4. Rice Salad - Make a salad rice is a good way to use leftover boiled rice, and is a great dish to serve with barbecue or take a picnic.
You must be boiling the rice and let it cool, or use leftover rice. Make it the night before you need to use so that the rice takes on the flavors of other ingredients.
Mix cold cooked rice with sweetcorn, chopped peppers, chopped peppers, olives, olive oil, crushed garlic, juice of lime or lemon, then just before serving, add grated cheese . You can also make rice salads with chopped pineapple, tuna, beans and legumes and cashews. Look for rice salad recipes or create your own place.