If you’re looking to expand your rice repertoire, calrose rice is worth a try. This medium-grain variety is known for its slightly sticky texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile side dish for meals ranging from curries to soups.
Though it may not be as familiar as other types of rice, it’s gaining popularity for its ability to absorb flavors and create satisfying, hearty dishes.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make calrose rice in an Instant Pot and explore some delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals.
What Does Calrose Rice Taste Like?
Calrose rice has a soft, slightly sticky texture and a mild flavor, making it a perfect match for many dishes.
It’s known for being easy to prepare and more forgiving than some other rice varieties, which adds to its appeal.
Is Calrose Rice Healthy?
Calrose rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. While it should be eaten in moderation, it does offer some nutritional benefits.
Potential Health Benefits
- Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest rice may help reduce inflammation.
- Supports Nervous System Health: The B vitamins in rice support nervous system function.
- Energy Source: Carbohydrates in rice provide a quick energy boost.
- High in Fiber: Brown calrose rice, in particular, may help with digestion and potentially reduce cancer risk.
- Source of Protein: A ¼ cup serving provides about 6 grams of protein, making it a useful addition to a plant-based diet.
Why Is Calrose Rice So Popular?
There are a few reasons why calrose rice is a go-to choice:
- Easy to Make: It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy families.
- Affordable: Widely available and budget-friendly, it’s a staple for many households.
- Great Texture: Known for being fluffy and sticky, it’s perfect for dishes that need rice to absorb sauces or broths.
- Neutral Flavor: Its mild taste means it complements many different dishes.
Making Calrose Rice At Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make calrose rice in an Instant Pot, you’ll only need two simple ingredients:
- 1 cup calrose rice (rinsed)
- 1 ¼ cup water
These basics will give you fluffy, sticky rice to enjoy with a variety of meals.
How To Make Instant Pot Calrose Rice
Now that you know what you need, let’s look at the steps to make calrose rice using an Instant Pot. This method is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step for the best results.
Step 1
Add the rinsed calrose rice to the Instant Pot. Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
Step 2
Pour in the water. The water keeps the rice moist and prevents it from burning. For added flavor, you can include a little oil or vegan butter, but it’s not essential.
Step 3
Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and set it to high pressure. Cook for five minutes. Once it’s done, serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
What Can You Serve Calrose Rice With?
Calrose rice’s fluffy, sticky texture makes it ideal for absorbing liquids, making it a great side for various dishes.
Curries
Of course, a staple of Indian – and Asian – cuisine in general is curry, and calrose rice goes really well with any kind of curry you might feel like eating.
Rice is a neutral flavor, and as such, there are really no restrictions when it comes to the combinations you can make.
Soups
You could also serve the rice with soups – be they Asian-inspired or Western varieties. This can be a great way to take a simple meal and turn it up a notch, and you could also add your own spices to give it your own twist.
Stews
You could also include the rice within stews – especially those that have a savory or spicy flavor palette.
This can be a really great way to add a little difference in texture and taste, and it can make a lighter stew somewhat more filling.
Final Thoughts
Calrose rice is an excellent option for families looking for a simple yet versatile side dish.
With its quick preparation and delicious texture, it fits seamlessly into a variety of meals.
Whether you’re pairing it with curry, soup, or stew, this easy guide will help you make it perfectly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calrose Rice Only White?
While it is most commonly consumed as white rice, there are also brown varieties available for those who prefer whole-grain rice.
This also brings differences in flavor and provides certain benefits for health and well-being.
Is Calrose Rice Healthy?
While there are minimal toxins in rice, thus making it somewhat nutritional, it is also rich in carbohydrates, which can have negative effects on our bodies and digestive systems.
As such, calrose rice is best eaten in moderation – as with other carbs.
Is Calrose Rice Easy To Make?
Yes! As this recipe shows, calrose rice is a simple and delicious dish that you are perfectly able to make at home.
Are The Ingredients Accessible?
Yes! With this particular recipe, the ingredients are easier to find in most grocery stores.
Instant Pot Calrose Rice Recipe
Recipe by Jess MillerCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 cup calrose rice (rinsed)
1 ¼ cup water
Directions
- Add the rinsed calrose rice to the Instant Pot. Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Pour in the water. The water keeps the rice moist and prevents it from burning. For added flavor, you can include a little oil or vegan butter, but it’s not essential.
- Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and set it to high pressure. Cook for five minutes. Once it’s done, serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.