Rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates, rice is the most important and popular food crop of the developing world as well as the staple food of more than half of the world's population. Particularly considering Asia and Africa, it won`t be an exaggeration to say that nine out of every
ten people prefer to include rice in their daily meals.
Basmati variety of rice is characterized by its superfine long kernels, exquisite aroma and texture, and superlative taste. Science tells us that Basmati grains contain 12 times more concentrations than those found in other rice varieties which give it its distinctiveness. Considered as the world’s best rice, Basmati rice has the following attributes:
Festivities- Anarsa- Every Maharashtrian gets nostalgic when the word ANARSA is heard by them. It is an Indian rice-based sweet delicacy prepared with ingredients like rice, ghee (clarified butter), sugar or jaggery and is commonly associated with festival of Deepawali along with other special occasions
Method - To prepare anarsa, rice is soaked and the water is changed regularly for 3/4 days. Then, the rice is drained and made to dry (about 80 % dry), then ground, and mixed with jaggery and a banana to create medium-hard dough. The dough is covered and left to mature for 3-4 days. It is then pressed into small flat round disks (3/4 cm diameter) , coated with white poppy seeds from one side, and fried in ghee until golden.
This easy vegetarian Mexican rice is a one-pot dish that you can serve as a side or as a part of the main dish. The rice is lightly spiced and has corn, tomato, garlic, onion, and jalapeno. You can serve it with poblano peppers, tacos, burritos, or just eat them with some refried beans.
Method - Rinse and soak rice in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a pan. Once hot add chopped onion and cook for a minute. Then add chopped jalapeno and cook for a minute. Add chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Add yellow corn and mix. Add cumin powder, salt, pepper and mix. Add the soaked rice to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. To this add crushed tomatoes, water and mix. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat . Later, cook for another 5-10 minutes on low heat till rice is soft and done. Switch off the flame and let the rice remain covered. Remove cover after 10-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add cilantro and lime juice.
Serve vegetarian Mexican rice and earn praises!