Cooking Brown Rice: Hamilton Beach Steamer Style

Cooking brown rice in a Hamilton Beach steamer is a straightforward process. The first step is to measure out the desired amount of brown rice, as the steamer can cook varying quantities depending on the model. The next step is to add water, with the general rule being to use the same amount of water as rice, although some recommend a ratio of 1:2.5 for brown rice. Simply place the ingredients in the non-stick pot, turn on the steamer, and let it cook. The steamer will automatically adjust the cooking time based on the amount of food and liquid. Once the rice is cooked, the steamer will shift to a warm setting to keep the rice ready for serving.

Rice-to-water ratio for brown rice

Hamilton Beach® Rice Cookers can cook rice to perfection, and they're versatile and easy to use. They can also be used to steam food or cook beans, whole grains, mac and cheese, or any pasta/rice mix.

The rice-to-water ratio for brown rice depends on the type of rice. For long-grain brown rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 1/4 cups of water. For short-grain brown rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.

For example, if you want to cook 2 cups of long-grain brown rice, you would need to use a 1:2¼ ratio, which means adding 4½ cups of water.

It's important to note that the rice cooker cup may be smaller than a standard measuring cup, so keep that in mind when measuring your rice and water.

• Rinse the rice to remove excess starch. This step is crucial to prevent the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy.
• Measure the appropriate amount of water and rice according to the type of brown rice you are using.
• Add the water and rice to the rice cooker.
• Close the lid and select the Whole Grain function for brown rice.
• Let the rice cooker do its magic! It will automatically cook the rice to perfection and then shift to the "Warm" setting.
• Once the rice is cooked, let it rest in the cooker for about 5-10 minutes before opening the lid. This allows the rice to absorb any excess moisture and gives it a nice plump texture.
• Use a rice paddle to gently fluff the rice.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked brown rice ready to be enjoyed in your favourite dishes.

Using the steamer basket

To use the steamer basket function, simply fill the basket with the desired ingredients and add it to the cooker towards the end of the rice cooking cycle. Alternatively, you can use the basket on its own by selecting the Steam Cook function and setting the desired cook time. The display will count down once steaming has begun.

It is important to note that if the pot boils dry, an alert will sound, and you will have three minutes to resume steaming by adding more water. Additionally, allowing the rice to "rest" for about 5-10 minutes after cooking can improve its taste. You can also substitute broth for water to enhance the flavour of your rice and steamed foods.

The steamer basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy and convenient.

One-touch cooking

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer offers one-touch cooking with preprogrammed options for cooking white rice, whole grains, and hot cereal. The rice cooker has a capacity of 8 cups of cooked rice or 4 cups of uncooked rice.

To cook brown rice using the one-touch cooking method, simply press the button for the whole grain option. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time based on the amount of food and liquid in the nonstick cooking pot. The whole grain function is designed for brown rice and other whole grains such as oatmeal and barley.

The rice cooker will automatically switch to the warm setting when the cooking cycle is complete, keeping your food warm for up to 12 hours. The nonstick cooking pot and the 2-in-1 steam/rinsing basket are both dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer makes cooking brown rice convenient and hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy perfectly cooked rice with just the touch of a button.

Pre-programmed options

The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer offers a range of pre-programmed options for cooking rice and other dishes. The simple one-touch controls allow you to cook white rice, whole grains, hot cereal, soup, and steam vegetables with ease.

The pre-programmed options include specific functions for cooking white rice and whole grains. The "White Rice" function is suitable for all varieties of white rice, while the "Whole Grain" function is designed for brown rice and other whole grains like oatmeal and barley. Additionally, the Heat/Simmer function allows you to prepare prepackaged rice and pasta mixes, beans, soups, and one-pot meals.

With these pre-programmed options, you can explore a variety of dishes from around the world, including basmati rice, Thai curry, and more. The cooker automatically adjusts the cooking time based on the amount of food and liquid in the pot, ensuring perfect results every time.

The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker & Steamer also offers a steaming function, allowing you to steam vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and more while your rice cooks or on its own. The steaming basket can also be used as a rice rinser to improve the texture of your rice and prevent clumping.

The cooker's flexibility extends to its capacity, allowing you to cook anywhere from 4 to 20 cups of cooked rice (2 to 10 cups uncooked), making it ideal for preparing meals for the whole family or a crowd.

With its pre-programmed options, the Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker & Food Steamer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring perfect results for a variety of dishes with just the touch of a button.

Clean-up

The Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker and Steamer is designed with easy clean-up in mind. The removable nonstick pot, glass lid, and accessories, including the steamer/rice rinsing basket, spatula, and rice measuring cup, are all dishwasher-safe. Simply detach the parts and place them in the dishwasher for a quick and convenient clean-up.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can hand wash the parts with warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry the parts completely before reassembling the cooker. Additionally, the lid liner can be removed and washed by hand if needed.

It is important to clean your rice cooker regularly to prevent the build-up of food residue and ensure optimal performance. Always allow the parts to cool down before handling and refer to the product manual for specific care and maintenance instructions.

The compact size of the rice cooker also makes it easy to store when not in use, ensuring that it doesn't take up too much counter or cabinet space.

Frequently asked questions