Is Brown Rice Healthy?
Brown rice is a simple, nutritious addition to any meal. Once a staple of the Southern California health food movement and macrobiotic diet prescribed by George Ohsawa, brown rice has since lost its hippie aura and is now a modern meal staple. And it’s true, when it comes to brown rice vs white rice, going with brown is a healthier option. This is because it’s less processed. The two outer layers of a grain of brown rice, the bran and the germ, haven’t been removed. These parts of the rice contain the most vitamins and minerals, making them the most nutritious parts. And your taste buds won’t be disappointed! Brown rice has a delicious nutty flavor that’ll have you asking for seconds. Let’s take a look at the benefits of brown rice:
- Brown rice is full of manganese, a mineral that aids in the healing of injuries, bone development, nerve function, and blood regulation.
- Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to keep you fuller for longer.
- Brown rice is full of a compound called lignans, which are associated with lower blood pressure and lower levels of cholesterol.
How to Cook the Best Brown Rice
Brown rice prep takes five minutes, this includes a good rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. This will get rid of the extra starch so that the rice won’t be too sticky. Then you let the brown rice cook on the stove for about an hour. If you need a speedier side, try our Perfect Couscous.
Add the rinsed rice to a saucepan along with the two cups of water, olive oil, and sea salt. The brown rice to water ratio for this recipe is one part rice to two parts water. Stir it all up, cover, and reduce the heat to low. This is a good time to assemble and prepare some things to accompany that pot of brown rice. We love brown rice as a foundation for a Salmon Sushi Bowl or in a Green Curry Buddha Bowl.
Brown rice cooking time can vary, so be sure to follow the package instructions. However, it does cook for a bit longer than white rice, since it has extra layers (the hull that is removed for white rice). This just means that brown rice requires a little extra cooking time to soften it up, and we think that the payoff is definitely worth the investment.
When the rice is done, fluff it up with a fork and let it sit for ten more minutes so that it can develop the right texture.
Tools You’ll Need
What to Pair with Your Brown Rice
Brown rice is the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes. Try using it wherever you would use white rice for a little variety. Here are a few great meal starters:
Brown Rice is the Best Rice
Brown rice to the rescue! Rest easy knowing that this simple brown rice recipe will make a hearty meal addition, and a great choice for your body too. Get creative and show us how you use it at @themodernproper and #themodernproper!
