Thai Black Rice, commonly called Forbidden Rice because it was once reserved for royalty in ancient China, is a whole grain rice with a black outer hull. When cooked, it often appears deep purple due to its anthocyanin content. The rice has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor and is often used in both savory and dessert dishes, especially in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: ~356
- Protein: 8.5g
- Fat: 2.2g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugars: 0.7g
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients: 100% Thai Black Rice.
What it is good for:
- Rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins.
- Supporting digestive health due to its fiber content.
- Providing a unique visual appeal and taste to dishes.
- Offering essential vitamins and minerals.
How to Use:
- Rinse the rice several times until the water starts running clearer.
- Soaking the rice for a few hours or overnight can reduce cooking time and make it more digestible.
- For every cup of rice, use about 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, add the rinsed (and soaked, if preferred) rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked through and all the water is absorbed (typically 30-40 minutes).
Recipe Idea – Thai Black Rice Pudding: Ingredients:
- 1 cup Thai black rice
- 3 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh mango slices and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse and soak the black rice for a few hours or overnight.
- In a saucepan, combine the soaked rice, 2.5 cups of coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a pudding consistency.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly. It will thicken more upon cooling.
- Serve warm or cold, topped with the remaining coconut milk, fresh mango slices, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Diets it fits into:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (if not using any animal-derived sweeteners or toppings)
- Whole Foods Diet
Note: Thai Black Rice, due to its anthocyanin content, can stain cooking utensils and surfaces. It’s advisable to be cautious during preparation and cleaning. The rice is also known for its higher nutrient content compared to other rice varieties, particularly its antioxidant properties.
