Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world and is consumed by millions of people every day. It is not surprising therefore that rice has become an important ingredient to a wide range of dishes from all corners of the globe. The versatile nature of rice makes it possible for it to be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting and even frying. However, did you know that apart from cooking rice, you can also grind it? In this article, we will explore the art of grinding cooked rice and how to use ground cooked rice.
Understanding Rice Grinding
Rice grinding is the act of milling or pulverizing grains of rice into powdered form using mechanical equipment or kitchen appliances. There are different reasons why people grind rice: some do it because they want to make their own flour for baking purposes while others grind it to enhance its digestibility.
Grinding rice may seem like a straightforward activity but there are several methods employed by cooks around the world: some cook raw rice then grind it while others only grind already-cooked grains.
Process of Grinding Cooked Rice
Grinding cooked rice involves preparing the grains before processing them into powder form. Here are some simple steps to follow when grinding cooked rice:
- Rinse the cooked rice with cold water until completely cooled.
- Spread out on a tray or plate and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove from freezer and break up any clumps using your hands.
- Place in a blender or food processor in small batches making sure not to overfill.
- Grind at high speed for about 3-5 minutes until fine powder forms.
Note: To get finer results after blending put through a sieve to separate coarse particles from finer ones.
Uses for Ground Cooked Rice
There are many recipes that require finely ground cooked rice as an ingredient. Ground cooked rice is commonly used in gluten-free baking, making noodles, cakes, bread and crackers among others.
Baked Foods that use Ground Cooked Rice
If you are looking for an alternative to wheat flour, ground cooked rice flour makes a great substitute. It is perfect for those who want to avoid gluten or are simply looking for something different. Here are some recipes that call for ground cooked rice flour as an ingredient:
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread – made from a blend of ground cooked rice flour and mashed ripe bananas.
- Almond Butter Cake – combining ground cooked rice flour with almond butter creates an incredible texture without using wheat flour.
Fried Food Recipes with Ground Cooked Rice
Apart from baking, ground cooked rice is also used in frying. The following recipes make delicious snacks that can be enjoyed by all ages:
- Crunchy Fried Chicken Tenders – Instead of breadcrumbs or wheat flour coating, try using ground cooked rice.
- Tempura Vegetables – This Japanese dish uses a batter made from egg white, cornstarch and ground cooked rice to create a light lattice crust around crunchy vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits of Grinded Cooked Rice
Ground cooked rice has several nutritional benefits that will improve your health.
Fiber Content in Grinded Cooked Rice
Grinding the grains of cooked brown rice into powder form maintain its fibre content more effectively than cooking un-ground brown-rice grain; Eating fiber-rich foods aids digestion and improves gut health along with protecting against cancers (colon) and other disorders such as diabetes.
Mineral Content in Grinded Cooked Rice
Grinding leads to high utilization of available minerals such as potassium, iron and zinc which enhances immune system function alongside aiding the transfer of oxygen to cells thereby providing adequate nourishment while also helping to prevent anaemia caused by iron deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grinding Cooked Rice
Here are some questions people frequently ask about grinding cooked rice and the answers to these questions:
- Can I grind raw rice? Yes, raw rice can be milled into fine flour. This flour is a good substitute for wheat-based flour in baking recipes
- What is the difference between brown rice and white rice when ground? The main difference between white and brown-grind-rice is that brown-grind-rice has more nutrition due to its fiber content
- My ground cooked rice isn’t fine enough after blending, what should I do? Put it through a sieve to separate coarse particles from finer ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grinding cooked rice is an excellent way of adding nutrient-rich ingredients to your meals. Ground cooked rice can be used as a gluten-free baking alternative and also in several mouth-watering fried snack recipes. Moreover, it provides ample quantities of fibre and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc that lead to improved immune system function as well as transfer adequate oxygen to cells thereby reducing anaemia caused by inadequate iron. Don’t hesitate to add the versatile nature of grounded-cooked-rice flour to your kitchen routine today!
Q&A
Q1: Can you grind cooked rice in a regular blender?
Yes, you can! You may need to add a bit of water to the cooked rice to help it blend smoothly, but most blenders can handle this task.
Q2: What are some ways to use ground cooked rice?
Ground cooked rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, such as bread, crackers, and even desserts like rice pudding. You can also use it as a thickening agent in soups and stews.
Q3: Does grinding cooked rice change its nutritional value?
Grinding cooked rice does not significantly alter its nutritional value. However, if the rice has been seasoned or mixed with other ingredients before grinding, this could affect its overall nutrient profile.
Q4: Can ground cooked rice be stored for later use?
Yes! Ground cooked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry or freezer for later use. It’s best to label the container with the date and contents so you don’t forget what’s inside.
