How many times have you set a batch of rice to cook on the stove, only to discover that (30 minutes and 4 cups of water later) the final product is excessively liquid-y and mushy?
It happens to the best of us, regardless of our prior cooking experience. Different types of rice can require different amounts of water. Package directions can be faulty. Even different altitudes can be to blame for variations in cooking methods.
It would be wasteful of both time and money to throw the mushy rice away and start again, but do you really want to eat a grain that resembles the texture of baby food?
Maybe that’s your thing (and that’s okay), but most of us are probably shaking our heads at the thought of eating the “ruined” rice.
Before you take it to the trash can, try out any of the following recipes to save your rice with just a few simple tweaks. They all taste great and hide the overcooked texture.
1. Rice Pancakes for Breakfast
Pro tip: slather with apple butter and non-dairy whipped cream
Ingredients:
- 1 tbs. vegan butter
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 1-2 tbs. flax meal
- 1 tbs. vegan sugar (optional)
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Directions:
- Melt butter in skillet over medium heat
- Combine remaining ingredients and transfer to skillet in 3-4 rounds
- Bring burner to high heat and cook until crispy, flip, and repeat on other side
2. Rice Casserole for Lunch
Pro tip: add more cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp. minced onion
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/4 cup vegan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400º
- Combine first four ingredients in mixing bowl, then transfer to greased, oven-safe baking dish
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over top of the rice mixture
- Bake for 18-20 minutes
3. Rice Pudding for Dessert
Pro tip: top with chopped up energy bar or fried fruit/nuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tbs. vegan sugar
- Dash of salt
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until mixture thickens and desired texture is reached
Each of these recipes makes about one serving, but feel free to double or triple the ingredients if you have rice to spare.
*If you need the rice as-is and don’t want to use it for a different recipe, here’s one more trick: Put the rice in a sealed container and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, the rice will have consolidated and separated from the water. Just open the container and drain the excess liquid.
Do you ever overcook your rice or other grains? How do you like to remedy it?
More cooking tips: 5 Creative Uses for Juicing Pulp
5 Food Scraps You Didn’t Know You Could Eat
Also by Quincy: Best Vegan B&Bs to Visit This Summer
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Photo: Quincy Malesovas
