What I love about cooking is making a lot of food. I’m always thinking ahead to what nights we’ll be crunched for time, and what nights I won’t be home.
A few weeks ago, I made an outstanding recipe that was so healthy and filling, and very different. Fruit and Nutty Brown Rice. You may have seen it in the photos from this post (The Joy of Soy and Chicken Thighs) … several people asked for the recipe.
First of all, do you own a rice cooker? I love my rice cooker and use it more than my slower cooker!
Here are the top 4 items that I cook in our rice cooker:
1. Brown rice
2. Quinoa
3. Black rice
4. Mix of rices
People don’t realize how easy it is to measure, pour in the liquid, and hit the button! Beautiful rice is ready usually within an hours’ time. Then you add other ingredients, plus fresh herbs, and it’s a meal in itself!
Here are some tips that I’ve found helpful in using the rice cooker:
1. You may need to experiment with the liquid amount, but I’ve found 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups of liquid works great for the 4 kinds listed above.
2. You never stir the rice while it’s cooking. Once you shut the lid and hit “start” you can walk away until the rice is ready to serve. So easy!
3. If you find your rice sticking together more than you like, add a few teaspoons of oil to the mixture before you start the cooking process.
4. Using a rice cooker is a great way to keep your rice hot until it’s ready to serve. Even if you unplug it after it’s finished cooking, it will remain hot.
Do you own a rice cooker? What kind of rice does your family enjoy the most?
Recipe: Fruit and Nutty Brown Rice {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Ingredients
- 3 cups brown rice
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cups scallions, finely sliced
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup Craisins, plumped and drained
- Salt
- Pepper
- Your favorite seasoning
- 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Cook your rice with appropriate liquid if cooking on stove, or above measurements if using rice cooker.
- Remove rice from pan or cooker and place in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients; season to taste.
- Toss and serve.
Preparation time: 45 minute(s)
Cooking time: 10 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 8
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
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I’ve never done quinoa in mine…I think it’s time! And I love the craisins in here…thanks for the idea.
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Hi Sandy,
I’m with you…rice cookers are the best!
It’s so strange but I actually resisted getting one for a long time…and my husband is of Asian descent! Can you imagine?!? What was I thinking! LOL!
My M-I-L gave me one when we first got married but I never used it. It just seemed so bulky to me and I simply didn’t want to add another appliance to my already packed counter tops. Besides, I “thought” I was making perfectly good rice on the stove. Can you believe, I even gave the rice cooker back to my M-I-L so that she could pass it on to my husband’s aunt who needed a new one.
Finally, I broke down because I kept reading things about how much folks loved their rice cookers. And once I used one, I loved it to – - – and now all my friends have them too! I can’t believe I resisted using one for so long. They really do make life so easy. It sits out on my kitchen island all the time. Having a big pot of steaming rice ready – and perfect – whenever you need it is a godsend. With the rice cooked and ready to go, I always have the beginnings of a great meal. And you are right – - – you can cook a lot more than just rice in a rice cooker. I once saw Wolfgang Puck cook a cake in his rice cooker!!! The one I use even has a steamer basket! The brand is Nutri-Ware.
http://www.aroma-housewares.com/kitchen/appliances/nutriware.html
It’s called the “18-cup Whole Grain Gourmet”.
Love your rice recipe today. We hare having salmon for dinner tonight and I am going to make your rice to go along with it. Thanks!
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Mary
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Thank you for the rice cooker tips! I want to love my rice cooker but my rice sticks to the bottom of the cooker. Do I need to add oil? What am I doing wrong.
Thanks
Zan
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As usual, Sandy, you make everything look delicious!!
Regarding rice… generally I cook rice on the stove and it’s done within an hour and it’s yummy. Basmati is a favorite and often instead of using water, I use a chicken and vegetable broth that I’ve made. Delicious!
We use our steamer all the time don’t know we ever got by without it.
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That rice looks delish!! This will be going in my rice box tonight. I am a rice nut, seriously…it’s about all I eat. LOL…and I’ve never shared that on TR, I’m such a goof.
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I just love this type of rice recipe. It’s always better with a hint of sweet!
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We have a small rice cooker which is perfect for most meals (two of us). I think your combo sounds great.
Darla
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The picture looks great! I’ll have to try your recipe. I recently tried a wild rice salad recipe and did not care for it. Not sure what happened there…
What spices did you decide to add to this?
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