Blending Cooked Rice: Is It Possible?

Yes, cooked rice can be blended. However, it is recommended that you let the rice cool down before blending it. You can also blend uncooked rice, but it is important to soak it for at least two hours before blending and cooking it.

Clean the rice

Cleanliness is key when it comes to preparing rice, so it's important to wash your rice before cooking it. Rinsing the rice removes dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs—all things you probably don't want in your rice dish! It also washes away excess starch, which can make your rice gummy or overly sticky.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your rice:

• Place the desired amount of rice in a mesh strainer or a bowl. If using a strainer, hold it under running cold water for about 30 seconds while gently shaking it. If using a bowl, add enough water to cover the rice.
• For white rice, shake or swirl the rice in the water for one to two minutes. For whole grain rice, a shorter time of about 30 seconds is sufficient.
• You'll notice that the water becomes cloudy at first. Continue rinsing until the water becomes almost clear. This indicates that most of the debris and excess starch have been removed.
• If using a bowl, dump out the cloudy water and repeat the process with fresh water. Keep doing this until the rice is clean.
• After rinsing, drain the rice and transfer it to your chosen cooking vessel, such as a rice cooker or pot.

It's important to note that washing rice does lead to some nutrient loss, particularly water-soluble vitamin B. However, the benefits of having clean and properly textured rice outweigh this drawback. Additionally, washing and soaking are two different processes with different purposes. While washing removes debris and excess starch, soaking reduces cooking time and can also help lower arsenic levels in the rice.

Soak the rice

Soaking rice before cooking is a common practice that can improve the texture, flavour, and nutritional value of the rice. It is a simple step that can enhance your meal and is used by both beginners and seasoned chefs alike.

The process of soaking helps to break down the starches on the surface of the rice grains, making them easier to digest. It also allows the rice to absorb water more quickly, reducing the cooking time. The recommended water ratio is 2:1, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. The rice should be soaked for at least 30 minutes to soften the grains, but for optimal results, it can be soaked for up to 24 hours. Soaking for longer than 24 hours may cause the rice to become overly soft.

Soaking rice can also improve its nutritional value. It helps to break down anti-nutrients like phytic acid, which can hinder the absorption of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Additionally, the soaking water can be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to further improve mineral absorption. For a refreshing twist, you can also add citrus zest like lemon or orange to the soaking liquid.

For those who want to add extra flavour to their rice, aromatics like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, or cumin can be added to the soaking water. This will create a flavourful base that the rice will absorb.

If you are short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the results may not be as optimal. It is worth noting that instant or minute rice varieties are not suitable for soaking as they are pre-cooked or partially cooked.

Once the rice has been soaked, it is important to rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any excess starch. This step will help achieve a fluffy texture after cooking.

In conclusion, soaking rice is a simple yet effective way to improve the texture, flavour, and nutritional value of your rice. With a few simple steps, you can elevate your meal and unlock the hidden potential of those grains!

Dry the rice

Drying rice is an important step in the process of grinding it into flour. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to dry rice:

Step 1: Clean the rice

Place the rice in a strainer and run cold water over it to clean it.

Step 2: Soak the rice

Transfer the rice to a large bowl and cover it completely with water. Let the rice soak for about an hour.

Step 3: Drain the rice

Drain the rice by pouring it into a strainer.

Step 4: Dry the rice

Place a layer of paper towels on the counter. Pour the rice onto the paper towels and spread it out evenly. Allow the rice to dry for up to four hours, or until the rice grains no longer stick to each other.

Blend the rice

Yes, you can blend cooked rice. However, it is important to note that the consistency of the blended rice will depend on the type of rice used. For example, brown rice tends to have a stronger flavour compared to white rice, which tends to be grainier.

If you are blending rice to make rice flour, you should first clean the rice by placing it in a strainer and running cold water over it. Then, transfer the rice to a large bowl and cover it completely with water. Allow the rice to soak for about an hour before draining it and letting it dry on paper towels for up to four hours. Once the rice is dry, you can put up to two cups of rice into a blender at a time and blend until you reach your desired consistency.

If you are blending rice for a different purpose, such as to make a rice smoothie, you may not need to soak the rice beforehand. However, it is still important to clean the rice before blending.

Store the ground rice

Storing ground rice is similar to storing regular cooked rice. It is important to cool the rice as quickly as possible to avoid bacteria growth. To do this, spread the rice out on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Once the rice is cool, you can transfer it to a container. If you plan to eat the rice within 3-4 days, it can be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer the rice to an airtight container or a zippered plastic bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.

If you don't plan to eat the rice within a few days, it can be frozen for up to three months. Place the rice in a zippable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Write the date on the bag and store it flat in the freezer.

To reheat the rice, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the top and cover the container with a lid or plate. Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds, or on the stove by adding a tablespoon of butter or oil to a saucepan and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions