Lifestyle

Brown Rice: The Nutritional Powerhouse and How to Cook it Perfectly in an Instant Pot

If you're looking for a gluten-free, low-allergen, versatile, and nutritious ingredient, look no further than brown rice! In this blog, we are sharing the pros and cons about brown rice and our go-to recipe for Instant Pot brown rice you can use as a grain replacement.

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Written by
Tarang Gupta

Brown rice is a staple ingredient in many cultures around the world, and for good reason. It's not just popular, but it's also incredibly nutritious and versatile. Brown rice is a great ingredient for people with food allergies, particularly those with gluten sensitivities, as it is naturally gluten-free. Also, brown rice is also a low-allergen food, which means that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction compared to other grains like wheat, barley, and rye. 

So, if you're looking for a gluten-free, low-allergen, versatile, and nutritious ingredient, look no further than brown rice! In this blog, In addition to talking about the pros and cons of brown rice, we are sharing our go-to recipe for Instant pot brown rice which you can use as a grain replacement in most of your favorite dishes.

How is brown rice different from white rice?

Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning that it still has all its natural layers intact. White rice, on the other hand, has been processed to remove the outer layers, leaving only the starchy center. This processing also strips away many of the nutrients and fiber found in brown rice.

What makes brown rice such a must-have pantry ingredient?

Well, for starters, it's a great source of complex carbohydrates. These types of carbohydrates provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels

Brown rice is a rich source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and prevent overeating.

But that's not all! Brown rice is also a great source of many important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients play a role in maintaining a healthy heart, supporting brain function, and helping to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer.

It is also low in fat making it a great addition to any healthy meal. 

But, it's not just good for your health, brown rice is also delicious and versatile. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to rice puddings, and even as a substitute for pasta.

Are there any cons to brown rice?

Brown rice does takes longer to cook compared to white rice, but that’s exactly why we love to use one of our favorite kitchen tools: the Instant Pot!

When cooked, It has a slightly nuttier taste and a chewier texture, which may not be to everyone's liking. I

t’s also worth mentioning that while brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice, it's still a source of carbohydrates, so if you are watching your carbohydrate intake, you may want to limit portion sizes.

However, whether you're looking for sustained energy, a boost of vitamins and minerals, or simply a tasty addition to your meals, brown rice is a great choice.

Now let's get to the recipe for a perfectly cooked pot of Instant Pot Brown rice. 

Instant Pot Brown Rice 

Ingredients

1 cup brown rice (washed, rinsed, and soaked for one hour)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cup water

Directions
  1. Put all ingredients in Instant Pot on manual high pressure for 19 minutes.
  2. Let the pressure release naturally. This will yield the perfect chewy consistency that we all enjoy in brown rice.

It’s as easy as that! 

And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, don’t worry. Just boil your desired quantity of rice in a large pot of boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes on very low heat. Fluff with a fork, and your rice is good to go!

Try it once, and we promise it will become a go-to in your kitchen. We love using brown rice as a healthy alternative in fried rice and burrito bowls!

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