Rice porridge is considered a very healthy dish. In its composition there is a mass of valuable substances that ensure the normal functioning of the human body. This dish is also unique in that it is equally well absorbed by both adults and children. Therefore, in the diet of most of those who adhere to proper nutrition, there is rice porridge on the water. The benefits and harms of this product will be described in detail in this article.
Varieties and features of cereals
Today in the world there are about 150 species of this cereal. However, not all varieties produce delicious rice porridge, the harm and benefits of which were known even in ancient times. To facilitate the recognition of cereals, people began to classify it according to the processing method, length and color. Moreover, the first parameter plays the most important role. It is the type of processing that largely determines the taste.
The main varieties of this product include round, long and medium-grained rice. Each of the above varieties has its own distinctive features. So, long-grain cereals absorb relatively little moisture. Therefore, crumbly porridge is obtained from it. Grains of medium length contain quite a lot of starch. As a result, they absorb excess moisture. They produce sticky, but not sticky rice porridge, the harm and benefits of which will be discussed later. As for round beans, experienced chefs recommend using them for cooking casseroles, sushi, soups and mousses. They also make tasty and nutritious milk porridge.
According to the processing method, steamed, white and brown rice is isolated . Unpolished grits retain a maximum of valuable substances. This is because it undergoes minimal processing. Steamed grains have a golden hue. They undergo multi-stage processing.
How to choose a quality product?
On the menu of most adherents of a healthy lifestyle, there is rice porridge for breakfast. The benefits and harms of the finished dish mainly depend on how high-quality cereals were used for its preparation. In order not to be mistaken with the choice of cereals, you need to buy goods in transparent packaging, through which you can visually evaluate grains. Experienced housewives are not advised to purchase packages in which a large number of fragments are visible. You also need to pay attention that all grains are approximately the same size and color. You should not buy packaging in which there is a large percentage of yellow rice. Their presence is considered a sign that the goods were stored in inappropriate conditions.
Preferred Varieties
In order for you to get a delicious and crumbly rice porridge, the harm and benefits of which are known to any experienced housewife, you need to choose the right cereal. Undoubtedly, the most useful are brown grains. But they are unsuitable for making dairy dishes.
The most suitable varieties, from which nutritious and tasty porridge is obtained, are considered Arborio, Jasmine and Krasnodar. The first two are best cooked in water, the last in milk.
Mineral and Vitamin Composition
It is known that rice porridge, the harm and benefits of which are due to the presence of many valuable components, is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. It also contains a large amount of vitamins B, E, PP and H.
Dishes prepared on the basis of this cereal differ from others in the complete absence of gluten, which often causes allergic reactions. Another advantage of rice is that it has absolutely no salt. The calorie content of the finished porridge is about 90 kcal, so it can be safely called a diet dish.
Among other things, this cereal is rich in many trace elements, including zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, iodine and selenium.
Rice porridge: benefits and harms
The calorie content of this product is significantly reduced during the cooking process. If raw cereals contain up to 330 kcal, then in the finished one this indicator is reduced by more than three times. The complex carbohydrates contained in this product help to reduce the rate of fat and sugar needed to provide energy to the body.
Also, this cereal is a recognized absorbent. Grains are able to absorb slag and toxins accumulated in the body. Due to this property, regular consumption of rice has a beneficial effect on the condition of nails, hair and skin. Its animal proteins contribute to the normalization of metabolism.
To whom milk rice porridge is contraindicated?
The benefits and harms of this dish depend not only on the quality of the selected cereal, but also on some other factors. Before preparing this product, you need to make sure that you can eat such food. Like any other meal, this cereal has a number of contraindications.
People with constipation, colitis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes should be especially careful with rice porridge. In addition, not everyone knows that it significantly increases the risk of kidney stones.
Cooking recommendations
Young housewives, who do not know how to cook rice porridge in milk, the benefits and harms of which are discussed a little higher, can take advantage of a few simple recommendations that allow you to cook a tasty and satisfying dish. To do this, you will need:
- a glass of cereal;
- a tablespoon of sugar;
- four glasses of low-fat milk;
- half a teaspoon of salt.
Pre-washed rice grains need to be boiled for 6-8 minutes, and then discarded in a colander. While excess liquid flows from them, it is necessary to bring salted milk to a boil and pour boiled cereal into it. It is necessary to keep the porridge on a minimum fire, not forgetting to constantly stir it. After a quarter of an hour, you can add sugar to it and send the container to a water bath. After fifteen minutes, the dish is ready to eat.
How to cook porridge in a slow cooker?
In the bowl of the device you need to fill the previously washed rice grains and pour them with water. A small piece of butter, sugar and salt are sent there. Having activated the “Pilaf” or “Porridge” mode, you need to wait at least half an hour. After this time, the dish should be obscured for fifteen minutes. One glass of cereal will require two glasses of water. Depending on the amount of added sugar, you can serve such rice porridge with gravy, fruit or jam.