Rice

• Long grain: white because the husk and bran are removed. There are many varieties, jasmine among them, and the longer and thinner the grain, the better.

• Basmati: grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, the ‘prince of rice’ has sandalwood and jasmine aromas. The flavour can differ from year to year, like wine. Reputable brands test every batch for aroma and look for a long, slim grain.

• Brown: minimal milling takes away the husk but not the bran layer on the surface of the grain, which means there’s more nutrients and fibre than in white rice. 
  

• Risotto: there are three types: vialone – favoured by the Venetians, who like their risotto all’ onda (wavy) and more soupy than the sticky risottos of Milan made with longer, more tapering superfino grades – arborio and carnaroli. 
  

• Easy cook: easier to cook (but no quicker) than long grain. Steamed under pressure before milling, which hardens the grains so that they don’t stick together when cooked. 

Some delicious. rice recipes

A rather old-fashioned rice salad recipe
This was inspired by the reprint of the classic Italian cookbook, The Silver Spoon, published by Phaidon, which lists (a possibly record-breaking) 10 rice salads. My mother wouldn’t have dreamed of a picnic without rice salad when I was a boy but they seem to have disappeared a bit. Don’t let the odd mix of ingredients put you off – there is method in the madness

Biryani-style baked chicken and rice recipe

A substantial, satisfying Indian-inspired meal that serves four people for under £5.

Kedgeree recipe
Kedgeree is one of the many dishes that have remained popular since the days of the British Raj in India. Although it is sometimes still eaten as breakfast, mostly by huntin' and fishin' bods, this simple dish of spiced rice and smoked haddock makes a satisfying main course.

Meatballs with soupy tomato and herb risotto recipe
This dish, which combines meatballs with a light tomato and herb risotto, really is a one pot wonder.

Fragrant maple and lemon rice pudding recipe

Treat yourself with this lovely sticky pudding.





More delicious. rice recipes