If you are a fan of authentic South Indian cuisine, you may be familiar with matta rice. Also known as rosematta rice or red parboiled rice, this variety of rice is highly nutritious and flavorful. If you want to bring the taste of Kerala to your home, cooking matta rice in a rice cooker is a convenient and foolproof method.
Matta rice is known for its unique reddish-brown color and nutty flavor. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to regular white rice. Cooking it in a rice cooker ensures that the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy, without the risk of burning or undercooking.
To cook matta rice in a rice cooker, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Then, add the desired amount of rice and water to the rice cooker. For every cup of rice, you will need about two cups of water. Adjust the water quantity according to your preferred level of rice softness.
Next, let the rice soak in the water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is optional but recommended, as it helps to soften the rice and reduce the cooking time. After soaking, close the lid of the rice cooker and press the “Cook” button. The rice cooker will automatically cook the rice and switch to the “Keep Warm” mode once it is done.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the rice and water mixture before cooking. This will enhance the taste and aroma of the matta rice.
Once the rice cooker switches to the “Keep Warm” mode, let the rice sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the rice to steam, resulting in a softer and more evenly cooked texture. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork or a spatula before serving.
Now that you know how to cook matta rice in a rice cooker, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious grain without any hassle. Serve it alongside traditional Kerala dishes like sambar, avial, or fish curry for an authentic South Indian meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
Easy Steps to Cook Matta Rice in a Rice Cooker:
Matta rice, also known as brown rice, is a healthy and nutritious option to include in your diet. Using a rice cooker to cook matta rice is a convenient and foolproof method. Follow these simple steps to cook matta rice in a rice cooker:
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Begin by rinsing the matta rice under cold running water. This helps to remove any excess starch and impurities from the rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Measure the Rice and Water
Next, measure the desired amount of matta rice using a measuring cup and add it to the rice cooker pot. The general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For example, if you are using 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water.
Step 3: Add Salt and Optional Spices
To enhance the flavor of the matta rice, add a pinch of salt to the rice cooker pot. You can also add optional spices like whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, or bay leaves to enhance the aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Place the rice cooker pot with the rice, water, salt, and spices into the rice cooker. Close the lid and select the appropriate cooking setting, usually the “white rice” or “brown rice” setting. Allow the rice cooker to do its job and cook the matta rice.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once the rice cooker indicates that the cooking cycle is complete, let the matta rice rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the steam to settle and the rice to become fluffy and perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
After the resting time, use a fork or rice paddle to fluff the cooked matta rice gently. Serve the rice hot alongside your favorite dishes or use it as a base for other recipes like fried rice or pilaf.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked matta rice straight from the rice cooker!
Preparation:
Before cooking matta rice in a rice cooker, you need to follow a few steps to ensure the best results.
1. Rinse the rice: Measure the desired amount of matta rice and place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse the rice under cold running water for a minute or until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch from the rice and ensures that it cooks evenly.
2. Soak the rice: Transfer the rinsed rice to a bowl and add enough water to cover it completely. Let the rice soak for at least 30 minutes to soften the grains and reduce cooking time. You can soak the rice for up to 4 hours for even better results.
3. Drain the rice: After soaking, pour the rice into the sieve again to drain off the water. Gently shake the sieve to remove any excess water from the rice.
4. Add water: Once the rice is drained, add it to the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add the appropriate amount of water according to your desired rice-to-water ratio. A common ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for softer or firmer rice.
5. Optional seasonings: At this point, you can add any desired seasonings or spices to the rice cooker, such as salt, butter, or coconut milk, to enhance the flavor of the matta rice. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
6. Start cooking: Place the inner pot inside the rice cooker and close the lid. Select the appropriate cooking option or set a timer, depending on your rice cooker’s settings. Press the start button to begin the cooking process.
7. Let it rest: Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is ready, allow the matta rice to rest in the closed rice cooker for about 10 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute within the rice and ensures a more even texture.
Note: The specific cooking time and water ratio may vary depending on your rice cooker model. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the most accurate cooking guidelines.
Washing and Soaking:
To cook matta rice in a rice cooker, the first step is to wash and soak the rice. This helps to remove any impurities and excess starch, resulting in fluffy and perfectly cooked rice.
Follow these steps to wash and soak matta rice:
Step | Instructions |
1 | Take the required amount of matta rice in a large bowl or colander. |
2 | Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water. Use your fingers to gently rub the grains to remove any dirt or impurities. |
3 | Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is clean. |
4 | After washing, transfer the rice to a clean bowl and add enough water to completely submerge the rice. |
5 | Allow the rice to soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to soften and hydrate the grains, resulting in a better texture when cooked. |
Once the matta rice is washed and soaked, you are ready to proceed with cooking it in a rice cooker.
Ideal Water Ratio:
When cooking matta rice in a rice cooker, it’s important to get the water ratio right to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The ideal water ratio for matta rice is 1:2, which means for every cup of rice, you’ll need two cups of water.
This water ratio ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the right amount of moisture. It is important not to add too much water, as it can make the rice mushy and overly sticky. On the other hand, using too little water can result in undercooked or dry rice.
Steps to Follow:
- Measure the desired amount of matta rice using a measuring cup.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch.
- Transfer the washed rice to the rice cooker.
- Add twice the amount of water to the rice cooker, based on the measured quantity of rice. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water.
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the appropriate cooking mode, such as the “White Rice” or “Cook” setting.
- Allow the rice to cook for the recommended time according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
- Once the rice is cooked, let it sit in the rice cooker for a few minutes to allow any excess moisture to be absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure that the grains are separate and not clumped together.
By following these steps and using the ideal water ratio of 1:2, you can easily cook delicious and perfectly textured matta rice in a rice cooker.
Adding Flavors:
If you want to enhance the taste of your matta rice, you can add various flavors and ingredients. Here are some options:
Flavor | Ingredients |
---|---|
Coconut | Grated coconut |
Ghee | Melted ghee |
Curry leaves | Fresh curry leaves |
Cumin seeds | Roasted cumin seeds |
Mustard seeds | Roasted mustard seeds |
Black pepper | Crushed black pepper |
Turmeric powder | Ground turmeric |
Red chilli powder | Ground red chilli |
Lemon juice | Freshly squeezed lemon juice |
Cilantro | Chopped cilantro leaves |
You can experiment with different combinations of these flavors to create a unique and delicious dish of matta rice.
FAQ
Can I cook matta rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook matta rice in a rice cooker. It is a simple and convenient method.
What is matta rice?
Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice or rose matta rice, is a variety of rice native to Kerala, India. It has a reddish-brown color and is known for its nutritional benefits and unique flavor.
How much water do I need to cook matta rice?
The general rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of matta rice. However, the amount of water may vary depending on your preference and the consistency of rice you desire.
Do I need to soak matta rice before cooking?
It is not necessary to soak matta rice before cooking, but soaking it for about 30 minutes can help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture of the rice.
How long does it take to cook matta rice in a rice cooker?
The cooking time may vary depending on the specific rice cooker, but on average, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook matta rice in a rice cooker.
What is matta rice?
Matta rice, also known as rose rice or brown rice, is a variety of rice native to Kerala, India. It is known for its reddish-brown color and nutty flavor. It is a healthier alternative to white rice as it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I cook matta rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook matta rice in a rice cooker. It is a simple and convenient way to prepare this rice variety. Just follow the instructions of your rice cooker and use the appropriate water to rice ratio for best results.