Basmati Rice Is Pure Protein (Not)

Basmati Rice Is Pure Protein (Not)

We were teased by a friends inquiry concerning Basmati Rice. Restricted to a low carbohydrate diet, this friend said his Indian associates assured him that Basmati Rice was pure white protein, not carbohydrate, and that he could eat it to his heart's content.

We did a little research and, as delicious as it may taste and as healthy as it is in the world of rices, it is carbohydrate, not 'pure white protein'. Even the Indian website www.basmatirice-india.com states that Basmati ranks top for being the richest of all rice in amino acids and other essential nutrients, including iron, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and thiamine.

This does not rob the long, fragrant grain of its special nature. The word Basmati means 'fragrance' in Hindi and its production is tightly controlled and regulated. In fact, they use DNA testing to make sure that counterfeits are excluded from sale as 'Basmati' rice, because the price is high in comparison to run-of-the-mill rices.

Basmati rice comes in white and brown. The brown rice has about 20% more fiber and is more nutritious because its coating has not been removed. It also takes twice as long to cook!

Pronounced 'bahs-MAH-tee', this long-grained rice is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, the northern part of India. It is a sweet rice and cooks up dry, which makes it a good 'bed rice' -- onto which meals may be set without the rice beneath getting gummy.

Once reserved for Maharajas and royal families, Basmati rice can be found throughout the world. We've purchased some from a local warehouse club in large bags at a hefty price markup, but that may soon be a thing of the past. There is a current hiatus on rice sales in certain countries due to the world-wise food shortage caused by the high price of petroleum, a falling dollar value and perhaps some transfer of foodstuffs to alternate fuel production.

We'll hope that if you haven't already tried Basmati Rice, you may experience it eventually. It's just really good stuff! But it is not 'pure white protein'.

If you can nab a cup of Basmati Rice, try the recipe below:

Indian Vegetable Basmati Rice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup Basmati rice

2 cups water

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garam masala (which is a mix of spices used in Indian cooking = 1T ground

cumin, 1-1/2 t ground coriander, 1-1/2 t ground cardamom; 1-1/2 t ground pepper; 1 t ground cinnamon, 1/2 t ground cloves and 1/2 t ground nutmeg. Combine in airtight container.)

3/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables (try a stir-fry mix for an interesting alternative)

DIRECTIONS

In a large pan heat oil over medium heat and saute onions and cumin until onions are tender, but not browned. Rinse the rise several times and drain well. Add the rice to the pan with the onions and pour in the 2 cups of water. Stir in salt, garam masala and vegetables. Cover the pan and increase the heat to high.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, keeping the rice covered at all times. After cooking for about 10 minutes, gently stir the rice to distribute the spices evenly. Cook 25 to 30 minutes, or until all of the water has evaporated and the rice is tender.

(Credit: Above recipe was submitted by Neena on allrecipes.com)