How to cook a tasty bowl of rice?

22 Jan

Rice is one of the absolute staples in our diet.

Ayurveda reveres rice as a rasayana, a rejuvenator, because it nourishes all the dhatus, the different tissues of our body.

Apart from nourishing our seven tissues, rice increases breastmilk and the production of semen. In addition, it is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production.

Unfortunately, it can lead to constipation if eaten without sufficient liquids, such as soups or dal, particularly for Vata dosha.

What is Ayurveda's View on Rice?

The properties of rice are cold, oily, and moist. It has a sweet taste.

These are Kapha qualities, which means it can imbalance Kapha dosha, so Kapha constitution should eat rice in moderation. Unless red rice is used, which is beneficial for Kapha dosha too.

On the other hand, the oily and moist qualities help to balance Vata dosha, and the cold properties pacify Pitta dosha; both also benefit from the sweet taste.

Different Varieties of Rice

Talking about red rice, there are wide varieties of rice out there.

Basmati rice, a long-grain rice, is widely available here in London at least.
Short-gain rice (my teacher recommended short-grain rice because it is easier to digest) is excellent for Vata constitution.
The above-mentioned red rice, in Europe cultivated in the Camargue/France, is, as mentioned, ideal for Kapha, with both Vata and Pitta benefitting from it as well.
Wholegrain rice retains some of the husk layers, which preserves more nutrients. Some mention that this is ideal for Pitta with its strong digestive power. At the same time, wholegrain rice is said to be more heating, making it unsuitable for Pitta.

It is best to observe our digestion and notice how we feel after eating certain food items to look for signs of changes when we introduce a new food item. So let's introduce one new food item at a time.

Important is:

Rice should be stored after harvest for one year to allow time to dry fully. This ensures that the rice cooking can absorb maximum water, which makes it fluffy and reduces the stickiness; the Kapha qualities are decreased.

The rice we buy in our shops might be younger; you can always purchase rice in advance and let it age at home (if you have the space, that is).

Rice needs to be fully cooked before eating, don't eat it al dente.

Leftover rice must be stored in the fridge and thoroughly re-heated to avoid stomach problems.

Ways to cook rice.

You can steam or boil rice, which is best for Vata & Pitta types.

In my video, I show you my favourite way: to saute the rice in Ghee first before adding hot water to cook the rice.

Ways to eat rice.

I love rice, sometimes even on its own. Remember, though, that rice on its own can lead to constipation. So best is to eat it with a soupy dal or vegetable soup; rice with yoghurt is excellent, and leftover rice can be fried.

You can add nuts, spices vegetables to make a pilaf, which makes a super tasty winter meal.

Coconut rice is a great summer dish.