Dainty Rice | Flavour Tips Archives

BASMATI RICE

Add fresh lime zest and a dab of butter to the cooked Basmati rice, delicious. Cook the basmati rice in water containing 1 cinnamon stick, 6 whole cloves and 2 garlic cloves for an aromatic taste.

JASMINE RICE

Try substituting the cooking water for coconut milk or coconut water AND/OR add a crushed lemongrass stalk to your cooking liquid.

BROWN RICE

Toasting brown rice grains in a little butter or olive oil before adding water brings out their flavour and adds a fantastic nutty note in the finished dish.

Spices & herbs - cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, star anise, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, or garlic cloves. Note: Ground herbs and spices typically give a subtler flavour, whereas whole spices or fresh herbs give the rice an extra kick, a stronger flavour.
Zests - lemon or lime (crushed lemon grass is also delicious)
Tea bags - orange blossom or Green tea are great!

OR try substituting water for consommé, broth (vegetable, chicken, beef, lamb), wine, coconut water or coconut milk.

For an Indian inspiration try adding cardamom or a dash of curry powder.
For South-East Asian rice dish, add lemongrass, turmeric, ginger or garlic.
For Japanese dishes, add some ginger, sesame seeds, dried seaweed (nori) or furikake mix. Also, try cooking the rice with a sheet of dried Kombu (kelp) added to the water.
For Chinese, add Chinese five-spice powder or chili powder.
For southwestern and Mexican foods, cumin seeds, chili's, paprika and cayenne, are the perfect accompaniment
For French and Italian dishes, try using garlic, dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
For Spanish dishes, try using tomato sauce, saffron, garlic, pepper or cumin.

Rice Flavour Tips