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ABOUT RICE
Courtesy of the USA Rice Federation
Rice is the perfect foundation for today’s healthier eating. It is a nutrient-dense complex carbohydrate that supplies energy, fiber,
essential vitamins and minerals and beneficial antioxidants. Rice combines well with other healthy foods such as vegetables,
fruits, meat, seafood, poultry, beans and soy foods.
Nearly 88% of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown in the U.S. Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Missouri
produce high-quality varieties of short, medium and long grain rice as well as specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, arborio,
red aromatic and black japonica, among others.
There are many different varieties of rice available in the market. Your Rice Cooker can cook any type perfectly every time. The
following are the commonly available varieties of rice and their characteristics:
Long Grain Rice
This rice has a long, slender kernel three to four times longer than its width. Due to its starch composition, cooked grains are
more separate, light and fluffy compared to medium or short grain rice. The majority of white rice is enriched to restore nutrients
lost during processing. Great for entrees and side dishes— rice bowls, stir-fries, salads and pilafs.
Medium Grain Rice
When compared to long grain rice, medium grain rice has a shorter, wider kernel that is two to three times longer than its width.
Cooked grains are more moist and tender than long grain, and have a greater tendency to cling together. Great for entrees,
sushi, risotto and rice puddings.
Short Grain Rice
Short grain rice has a short, plump, almost round kernel. Cooked grains are soft and cling together, yet remain separate and are
somewhat chewy, with a slight springiness to the bite. Great for sushi, Asian dishes and desserts.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a 100% whole grain food that fits the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation to increase daily
intake of whole grains. Brown rice contains the nutrient-dense bran and inner germ layer where many beneficial compounds are
found. Brown rice is available in short, medium and long grain varieties and can be used interchangeably with enriched white
rice.
Wild Rice
Wild rice is an aquatic grass grown in Minnesota and California and is a frequent addition to long grain rice pilafs and rice
mixes. Its unique flavor, texture and rich dark color provide a delicious accent to rice dishes. Wild rice also makes a wonderful
stuffing for poultry when cooked with broth and mixed with your favorite dried fruits.
Did You Know?
• Rice is the primary dietary staple for more than half of the world’s population.
• U.S. grown rice is the standard for excellence and accounts for nearly 88% of the rice consumed in America. It is grown and
harvested by local farmers in five south-central states and California.
• Rice contains no sodium, cholesterol, trans fats or gluten, and has only a trace of fat. One half-cup of rice contains about 100
calories.
• Research shows that people who eat rice have healthier diets than non-rice eaters and eat more like the U.S. Dietary
Guidelines for Americans recommendations.
• Whole grains like brown rice help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers,
and aid in weight management.
• Brown rice is a 100% whole grain. One cup of whole grain brown rice provides two of the three recommended daily servings
of whole grains.
• Eating rice triggers the production of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that helps regulate and improve mood.
• September is National Rice Month - promoting awareness of the versatility and the value of U.S. grown rice.
Cheesy Green Chile Chicken & Rice
DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients into the inner cooking pot and stir
until evenly distributed. Place the inner cooking pot into the
rice cooker, place the lid securely onto the rice cooker and
press the COOK SWITCH. Allow rice to cook until the rice
cooker switches to KeepWarm. Stir and serve immediately.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons minced onion
½ teaspoon salt
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies with liquid
1 (10 oz) can chicken breast
DIRECTIONS:
Cut the smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, then into ¼”
half circles. Add all ingredients to the inner cooking pot
and mix well. Place inner cooking pot in the rice cooker
and place the lid securely onto the rice cooker. Press the
COOK SWITCH. The rice cooker will automatically switch
to Keep-Warm once the meal is ready. Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups white rice
½ lb. spicy smoked sausage
½ lb. raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 (10oz) can chicken breast
1 (4oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon of parsley for garnish
Creole-Style Red Jambalaya
