Steaming Rice And Beans: A Quick, Easy Guide

Cooking rice and beans in a steamer is a great way to prepare a simple, tasty, and nutritious meal. While it may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quite straightforward and can be done in a few easy steps. Here's a guide to help you get started.

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time for rice and beans may vary depending on the type of rice and beans you are using, as well as the steamer itself. For instance, white rice usually takes around 20-25 minutes, while brown rice may require 40-45 minutes. Similarly, the cooking time for beans can range from an hour to several hours, depending on their freshness.

To cook rice in a steamer, start by rinsing the desired amount of rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Then, place the rice in the steamer basket and add water or broth to the pot below. The ratio of rice to water is typically 1:2, but this can be adjusted for firmer or softer rice. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and let the rice steam until all the liquid is absorbed. Finally, remove the pot from the heat, fluff the rice, and serve.

Cooking beans in a steamer is a bit more time-consuming. It is recommended to soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking. This helps reduce the cooking time and improves digestibility. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans, then place them back in the steamer with fresh water and any desired seasonings, such as a bay leaf or cumin. Turn on the steamer and cook the beans until they are tender, adding more water if needed.

Now, let's talk about combining rice and beans in a steamer. While it is possible to cook them together, it is important to consider the different cooking times and ensure they are both cooked properly. One option is to cook them separately and then combine them afterward. Alternatively, you can start cooking the beans first and add the rice later, adjusting the water and heat as needed.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and nutritious rice and bean meals in your steamer!

Soak beans overnight before cooking

Soaking beans overnight before cooking is a common practice, but is it really necessary? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some people swear by it, claiming that it reduces cooking time and results in firmer, more digestible beans. However, others argue that it's an unnecessary step that can even detract from the flavour of the beans. So, what's the verdict?

Let's look at the benefits of soaking beans overnight. Firstly, it can reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, which may not seem like much, but can be a convenience if you're in a hurry. Secondly, soaked beans tend to cook more evenly, resulting in a firmer texture with fewer burst beans. This is especially important for dishes like salads or burrito bowls, where you want the beans to hold their shape. Finally, soaking beans can make them easier to digest. Beans contain complex sugars called 'oligosaccharides' that our bodies can't fully break down, leading to gas and indigestion. Soaking beans overnight helps to get rid of these sugars, making them easier on the stomach.

Now, let's address the other side of the argument. Some people claim that soaking beans can wash away their flavour, especially for thin-skinned varieties like black beans. In fact, one source recommends against soaking freshly dried heirloom beans, as it can cause them to sprout. Additionally, the "quick-soak" method, where you boil the beans for a few minutes and then let them soak for an hour, has been touted as equally effective in reducing cooking time and improving flavour and texture.

So, which method is best? Ultimately, it's up to personal preference. If you're short on time and want to ensure evenly cooked beans, soaking them overnight might be the way to go. However, if you prioritise flavour and don't mind a slightly longer cooking time, skipping the soak might be preferable. Whichever route you choose, remember to sort and rinse your beans before cooking to remove any impurities, and always cook kidney beans thoroughly to avoid food poisoning.

Rinse rice before cooking

Rinsing rice before cooking is a crucial step to ensure optimal texture and taste. While it may seem like an unnecessary step, it offers several benefits that will significantly improve your cooked rice. Firstly, rinsing removes dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs that may have found their way into the rice during its journey from the farm to your kitchen. This simple act of rinsing ensures that you're not consuming any unwanted substances.

Another critical reason to rinse your rice is to eliminate excess starch from the rice kernels' surface. This excess starch, if not rinsed away, can result in gummy or overly sticky rice. By giving the rice a quick rinse, you allow the surface starch to wash away, leaving you with cooked rice that is fluffy and has separate grains. This is especially important if you're cooking white rice, as the milling process leaves a layer of starch on the outside. Rinsing white rice helps to separate this surface starch, making the cooked rice less sticky.

When it comes to rinsing rice, there are different methods depending on the type of rice you're using. For whole grain rice, use a mesh sieve and run cold water over the rice for about 30 seconds while gently shaking it. This will remove any rice hulls or smaller broken rice kernels. As for white rice, the "bowl method" is effective. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with water, and agitate it. Pour out the starchy water, and repeat until the water becomes clear.

It's important to note that rinsing rice will result in some loss of water-soluble B vitamins. However, this shouldn't deter you from rinsing, as the benefits of improved texture and taste outweigh this minor loss of nutrients.

So, the next time you reach for your bag of rice, remember to give it a quick rinse before cooking. It's a simple step that makes a big difference in the final product!

Use a steamer basket

Using a steamer basket is a great way to cook rice and beans without having to worry about them burning or becoming mushy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Beans

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water to remove any excess starch and prevent it from sticking together. You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as jasmine or basmati. For the beans, snap off any ends that still have stems attached. You can also snap the beans in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Assemble the Steamer

Place a steamer basket inside your pot or deep skillet. Add about an inch of water to the pot, making sure the water level is below the holes in the steamer basket. Then, fill the steamer basket with your prepared rice and beans. If you're cooking a larger batch, you can use a multi-tiered steamer or a bamboo steamer.

Step 3: Begin Steaming

Place a lid on the pot or skillet and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a boil, which should take around 3 minutes. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice and beans steam. For the rice, steam for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. For the beans, steam for about 5 minutes or until they are vibrant green and tender but still have a bit of bite.

Step 4: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice and beans are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the steamer basket and discard the water. Place the rice and beans back into the pot, adding some butter or oil, and fluff with a fork to separate the grains. Season with salt, pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices. Your delicious and healthy rice and beans are now ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio depending on your preferred texture. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add a little more.
• Experiment with different types of rice to find your favorite. Jasmine rice is fragrant and slightly sticky, while basmati has a delicate flavor and long, slender grains.
• You can also add seasonings, such as salt, herbs, or spices, to the water for extra flavor.
• If you plan to cook rice regularly, consider investing in a rice cooker with a steaming function for precise temperature control and an even more effortless process.

Cook rice and beans separately

To cook rice and beans separately, you will need to prepare the beans before cooking the rice.

Beans

First, you will need to soak your beans. Place the desired amount of beans in a large bowl and cover them with water—the water should be twice the volume of the beans. For example, if you are using one cup of beans, you will need two cups of water. Cover the bowl with a pan lid or aluminium foil and leave the beans to soak for at least six hours. An overnight soak is ideal.

After soaking, drain the beans in a mesh strainer and then place them in your steamer basket. Bring water to a boil in your steamer pot and place the steamer basket on top. Cover and steam the beans for three to four minutes, or until tender. Remember to take off the lid and stir the beans every minute to ensure even cooking.

Rice

To cook the rice, gather your ingredients and equipment: one cup of rice, two cups of water or broth, a steamer pot or rice cooker with a steaming basket, a fine-mesh sieve or colander, a measuring cup and spoon, and a kitchen towel or lid.

Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Place the rice in the steaming basket and add the water or broth to the pot. Ensure that the steaming basket sits above the water level. Cover the pot with a kitchen towel or lid to create a tight seal and trap the steam inside.

Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice steam for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Try not to lift the lid or disturb the process, as this may affect the cooking time.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about five minutes. This helps the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains and serve hot.

Season with salt, pepper, and spices

Seasoning is an important step in cooking rice and beans in a steamer, as it adds flavour and taste to the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your rice and beans:

• Salt is a basic seasoning that can be added to the water or broth used for cooking the rice. It helps to enhance the flavour of the rice and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
• Pepper, such as freshly cracked black pepper, adds a bit of spice and warmth to the dish. It can be added during or after cooking, depending on your desired level of peppery flavour.
• Spices like cumin, turmeric, or dried dill weed can be added to the water or broth for extra flavour. Cumin provides an earthy and slightly nutty taste, while turmeric adds a vibrant yellow colour and a subtle peppery flavour. Dried dill weed has a unique flavour that can enhance the taste of your rice and beans.
• Herbs such as bay leaves can also be used for seasoning. Bay leaves are known to help with digestion and add a light and earthy flavour to the dish.
• Vegetable stock, chicken stock, or mushroom stock can be used instead of plain water to cook the rice. This adds more depth of flavour and makes the dish more interesting.
• Fried onions, tomatoes, or other spices and flavour agents can be added according to the cuisine you are preparing. For example, if you are making Mexican-style rice and beans, you might add some cumin, chili powder, or paprika.
• Olive oil, sesame oil, or any other type of oil can be added to the rice for extra flavour and to help prevent the rice from sticking together.
• Lemon zest and juice can be used to add a bright and tangy flavour to the dish.
• Sesame seeds can be added for a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.

Remember, when adding seasonings, it is important to consider the amount of liquid and the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks properly. You can always start with a smaller amount of seasoning and adjust to your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions