Rice is a very popular side dish. It is suitable both for those who are on a weight loss diet and for those who simply monitor their health. Initially, rice was used in East Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, but due to its unique properties and benefits, it has become popular all over the world.
Useful information about rice
Rice is an ancient grain crop and was first used more than 4 thousand ago in East Asia. For many peoples, rice is deservedly associated with a symbol of fertility.
Rice has many health benefits. The calorie content of rice in dry form is 350 Kcal, of which 6, 7 are proteins, 0, 7 are fats and 78, 9 are carbohydrates. The calorie content of boiled rice is on average 116 Kcal. during cooking, rice absorbs water, and the calorie content is reduced by about three times. Rice contains B vitamins, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
Rice cooking methods
There are several ways to cook rice. The most common is boiling. But there is a way in which rice is fried. Frying rice is possible in two ways: frying pre-cooked and frying dry grains with the addition of water after heating.
In the first method of cooking, rice is traditionally boiled. It is possible to cook rice without adding everything, this method of cooking is called Japanese. Boiled rice can be fried immediately after boiling, but traditionally it is important to cool the boiled grain before frying. Prepared rice should be put in a special dish for frying with heated oil and fry until tender. A frying pan, cauldron or stewpan is suitable for frying rice.
In the second case, you need to warm up the oil in a frying pan and pour dry or pre-washed rice into it. This cooking method requires vigorous stirring during cooking until the rice grains lose their transparency and acquire a golden hue. If necessary, at this moment you can add spices and mix everything. Then water is added in a ratio of 1/2 (two parts of water to one part of dry rice). When the added water is absorbed, the fried rice can be considered cooked.
The popularity of fried rice
Fried rice is most popular in Japan, China, and other East Asian countries. The national cuisine of different countries has its own methods and rules for preparing fried rice.
In the countries of Central Asia, pilaf is a common form of national fried rice. The preparation of pilaf is associated with many traditions; it is both an everyday and a festive dish.
In the United States, fried rice is used in fast food, served in the same dish with minced pork, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. This version of the product no longer resembles a traditional Chinese dish.
