Cooked Rice In A Blender: Is It Possible?

It is possible to blend cooked rice in a blender. However, it is more common to blend uncooked rice to make rice flour, which can be used as a gluten-free alternative for baking and cooking. When making rice flour, it is important to blend the rice into a fine powder and to sift it through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a uniform consistency. Rice flour can be stored at room temperature for up to three months or in the fridge or freezer for up to a year.

Cooked rice can be blended with other ingredients to make pancakes, muffins, or quick breads. For example, leftover cooked rice can be pureed with milk, egg, and oil before being mixed with dry ingredients to make pancakes. This helps to create a smooth texture and ensures that the rice is undetectable in the final product.

Making rice flour

Preparing the Rice

First, you will need to 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 with water. Soak the rice for about an hour, then drain it. Spread the rice onto a layer of paper towels and let it dry for up to four hours, or until the grains no longer stick to each other.

Grinding the Rice

Once the rice is dry, you can begin grinding it. Place 1-2 cups of rice into your blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. The smaller the amount, the more efficiently the blade will work to grind the rice. Cover the blender and grind the rice until it becomes a fine powder. Blend on the highest setting to get the best results. The flour should be smooth, with no large chunks. Transfer the flour to an airtight container.

Storing the Rice Flour

Label and date the container, and store the flour in a cool, dry place. It will last up to a year in the pantry, or longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Tips for Using Rice Flour

Rice flour can be used in batters for baked goods like banana bread, cookies, or pancakes. It can also be used as a thickening agent for soups or as a coating for fried vegetables. When substituting rice flour for wheat flour, it is recommended to use 7/8 cups of rice flour for every cup of wheat flour. Additionally, rice flour helps liquids absorb quickly, so you may need to add extra liquid to your batter.

Choosing the Right Rice

Experiment with different varieties of rice to find the taste and texture you prefer. Brown rice flour tends to be denser and have a stronger flavour, while white rice flour is lighter and more neutral. You can also try combining different types of rice to find the perfect blend for your recipes.

Using cooked rice in pancakes

Yes, you can use a blender to make pancakes with cooked rice. However, the rice will need to be cleaned, soaked, dried, and ground into flour before it can be used in a pancake recipe. This process is time-consuming but can be a good option for those with a wheat allergy.

Making Pancakes with Cooked Rice in a Rice Cooker

If you have a rice cooker, you can make a giant, fluffy pancake without needing to blend the rice. Grease the inside of your rice cooker, pour in your pancake batter, and set the appliance to cook. The cooking time will depend on the size of your rice cooker, but it should take around 35-45 minutes.

Rice Pancake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups rice flour
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Combine the rice flour, applesauce, baking powder, and oil together in a bowl; blend with an electric hand mixer for 2 minutes.
• Grease a large skillet or griddle and place over medium heat.
• Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle; cook until the underside is golden brown.
• Flip and cook until the other side is also golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Making rice puree

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown rice (organic short-grain is recommended)
• 2 cups of water for cooking the rice
• 1-2 cups of liquid for blending (water, broth, breast milk, or formula)

Method:

• Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh colander and rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove excess starch and make the rice easier to blend.
• Cooking the rice: Add the rice and water to a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. For white rice, simmer for about 15 minutes. For brown rice, simmer for 35-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
• Resting the rice: After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. If using fresh breast milk or formula for blending, leave the lid off and let the rice cool for about 15 minutes.
• Blending the rice: Place the cooked rice in a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup of liquid and blend for 1-2 minutes on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add more liquid in small increments if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Serving or storing: Serve the rice puree to your baby, or store it for later. You can keep a small amount in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze the rest in ice cube trays or containers for up to 4 months.

Tips and Variations:

• Soaking the rice: Soaking the rice for 2-8 hours before cooking can help remove phytic acids, making it easier to digest. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with hot water, and let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the rice before cooking.
• Adding flavour: You can add flavour to the rice puree by stirring in a bit of yogurt, applesauce, or mashed banana.
• Thinning the puree: If the puree becomes too thick, you can thin it out with water, broth, breast milk, or formula.
• Freezing: To freeze the rice puree, pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and store them in the freezer. The frozen cubes can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop when needed.

Using a blender vs. a coffee grinder

Blenders and coffee grinders are two of the most common food processors in modern kitchens. While both can be used to grind coffee beans, they are designed for different functionalities and produce different results.

Functionality

Coffee grinders are designed for grinding coffee beans and other hard, dry items such as tea, herbs, and spices. Blenders are better suited for blending and mixing items such as fruits and vegetables into thick pastes or smoothie-like substances.

Quality of Coffee Grind

Coffee grinders typically use burrs to crush coffee beans into a consistent and uniform powder. On the other hand, blenders use blades to produce a rough medium grind that is not as fine as a coffee grind. The blades of blenders spin faster than those of coffee grinders, generating heat that can adversely impact the taste of the coffee.

Affordability

Coffee grinders are generally more affordable than blenders. Coffee grinders for homebrew typically cost between $20 and $80, while blenders range from $20 to $600.

Size and Storage

Coffee grinders are usually smaller and more compact, making them easier to store. Blenders are larger and take up more storage space.

Versatility

Blenders are more versatile appliances and can perform a wider range of tasks. In addition to grinding coffee beans, they can be used for making smoothies, soups, sauces, dips, and juices. Coffee grinders are more limited in their functions and are primarily used for grinding coffee beans and spices.

Food Differences

While both appliances can be used to grind coffee beans, they are better suited for different types of food. Coffee grinders are ideal for processing spices, chopped nuts, and meat, while blenders are better for soups, sauces, smoothies, and purees.

In conclusion, both blenders and coffee grinders can be useful tools in the kitchen, but they serve different purposes. Coffee grinders are best for grinding coffee beans and spices, while blenders are more versatile and suitable for a wider range of tasks, especially when it comes to processing fruits and vegetables.

Storing rice flour

Firstly, rice flour is considered a non-whole grain flour, along with starches like cornstarch and tapioca flour, as well as non-grain flours like coconut. These types of flour are less perishable and can be kept in a cool, dry, dark cabinet for at least a year, and possibly indefinitely.

However, to ensure the longest possible shelf life, it is recommended to store rice flour in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. The refrigerator is a good storage area, but it is important to use a sealed container to prevent the flour from absorbing moisture and odors from other foods. If storing in the freezer, use a sealed container or a freezer bag, and make sure it is full to eliminate as much air as possible.

Additionally, it is important to note that brown rice flour tends to have a stronger flavor compared to white rice flour, which tends to be grainier.

Frequently asked questions