Cooking Rice And Lentils In An Instant Pot

RiceSelect's Royal Blend is a mix of four types of rice: Texmati white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and Thai red rice. The Instant Pot is a great way to cook this blend, as it's convenient and hands-off. You can also add seasonings to enhance the flavour. The cooking process is simple: add the ingredients to the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure, and then let it release pressure naturally. The result is a delicious, perfectly cooked blend of rice with a unique flavour and texture.

What is Royal Blend Rice?

Royal Blend Rice is a blend of four types of rice: Texmati white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and Thai red rice. Each rice variety has a unique flavor and they all come together for a delicious side dish. The blend is aromatic, wholesome, and has a satisfying feel with a nutty texture.

Ingredients and preparation

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups of RiceSelect Royal Blend Rice
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

• Place the rice, water or broth, butter (if using), and salt in your Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is in the sealed position.
• Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Check the label on your RiceSelect Royal Blend package to ensure it is the correct variety (Signature Varietal Blend). If you have the Royal Blend with whole grains, it will need to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes instead.
• Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure manually.
• Turn off the 'keep warm' setting. If this setting is left on, the rice may stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• This method is specifically for the RiceSelect Royal Blend, which includes pre-cooked brown rice, wild rice, and Thai red rice, allowing them to cook at the same rate as the white rice.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your rice, you can substitute water for chicken broth, or add seasonings such as a Mediterranean or Chili Margarita rub.

Cooking methods

Instant Pot Method

To cook RiceSelect Royal Blend Rice in an Instant Pot, you will need:

• 1 and 1/2 cups of Royal Blend Rice
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)

First, place the rice, water or broth, and salt in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and ensure the valve is in the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Check the label on your rice to ensure it is the correct Royal Blend (Signature Varietal Blend). If you have the Royal Blend with whole grains, it will need to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure manually. Ensure the 'keep warm' setting is turned off, as leaving the rice sitting for too long will cause it to stick to the bottom of the pot.

Stovetop Method

While the Instant Pot method is more convenient and hands-off, you can also cook RiceSelect Royal Blend Rice on a stovetop. The stovetop method typically takes about 60 minutes to cook the wild rice blend.

Rice Cooker Method

If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can also use a rice cooker. This method is similar to the Instant Pot method and offers the convenience of being able to "set it and forget it."

Pot-in-Pot Method

Another option is the pot-in-pot method, where you place the rice, water or broth, and butter/oil in a separate steel bowl that fits inside the Instant Pot. You will need to add an additional cup of water to the Instant Pot steel insert and place a trivet inside before adding the steel bowl containing the rice.

General Tips

• The amount of liquid used will depend on your preferred texture. For softer and fluffier rice, use more liquid.
• Do not over-season the wild rice blend, as it will be served with other flavorful dishes.
• For best results, use fresh wild rice blend, as it has a shelf life of only 6 months and is prone to rancidity.
• Do not turn on the 'keep warm' setting, as this will cause the rice to continue cooking and dry out.
• Always use the natural pressure release method, as quick pressure release can make the rice sticky and mushy.
• Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional and depends on personal preference.

Serving suggestions

The RiceSelect Royal Blend is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your Instant Pot Royal Blend Rice:

Indian Chicken and Rice Biryani

Add some spice and flavour to your rice with an Indian-inspired dish. The blend of spices and herbs in a traditional Biryani can complement the rice blend, creating an aromatic and tasty dish. This suggestion is also featured on the RiceSelect website, so you know it will work well with the Royal Blend.

Rice Salads

RiceSelect suggests using their Royal Blend rice in a rice salad. This could be a great option for a light lunch or a side dish. You could add vegetables, herbs, and a vinaigrette dressing to create a refreshing and healthy meal.

Stuffed Peppers or Wraps

The Royal Blend rice can be used as a filling for stuffed peppers or wraps. You could add some protein, such as chicken or beans, and vegetables to create a tasty and filling meal. This suggestion is also featured on the RiceSelect website, so it is likely a good pairing with the rice.

Red Wine Braised Duck

For a more sophisticated meal, serve the Royal Blend rice with a red wine braised duck. This suggestion comes straight from the RiceSelect website, so it is sure to be a good pairing. The rich flavours of the duck and the rice blend are sure to create an impressive dish.

Mediterranean or Chili Margarita Rub

If you want to add some extra flavour to your rice, you could try adding a seasoning rub. The savorthebest.com website suggests a Mediterranean or Chili Margarita rub, which is sure to add a kick of flavour to your dish.

Storing and reheating

If you have leftovers, allow the rice to cool to room temperature, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days.

To reheat, you can place the rice back in the Instant Pot, adding a little water, and steaming for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the rice in a bowl, covered, for a couple of minutes, or until piping hot.

You can also freeze cooked Royal Blend Rice. Again, ensure the rice is at room temperature before freezing, and store it in small containers for up to six months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Frequently asked questions