Cooking Brown Rice

Cooking brown rice may take a little longer but it will be worth the wait, not only because it tastes good but it is also good for you.

Brown rice is simply white rice that has not had the brown-colored bran covering removed. So brown rice is considered a whole grain. Why remove the bran? Because most people prefer white rice since it is fluffier and cooks faster than brown.
Since brown rice still has the bran intact, it has more fiber than white rice. One cup of brown rice has 3 1/2 grams of fiber while the same amount of white rice has less than one gram of fiber. We all need from 25 to 38 grams of fiber in our diet everyday.
Brown rice also contains nutrients like magnesium, manganese, and zinc. White rice has reduced levels of these nutrients, but is often fortified with iron, and some B vitamins.
White rice is still the usual rice found in restaurants, so you will probably have to get most of your brown rice at home. Brown rice takes longer than white rice to cook, so increase the amount of water slightly. Brown rice doesn't have the fluffy texture of white rice, but its nutty flavor and chewy texture makes brown rice a tasty way to get fiber into your diet.

Stove Top Instructions

1. 
   
   Step 1
   Measure 1 1/2 cups water for every cup of brown rice to be cooked. Place the water into a pot or pan that has a tight fitting lid. Add 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil. A teaspoon of salt can be added if desired.
   
2. 
   
   Step 2
   Measure the amount of rice desired. Pour it into the boiling water and stir. Place the lid on the pot.
   
3. 
   
   Step 3
   Turn the heat on the stove down to low. Allow the rice to cook for at least 50 minutes without lifting the lid.
   
4. 
   
   Step 4
   After 50 minutes, lift the lid and, with a spoon, test the rice. If the rice is soft and the water absorbed, it is done. If the rice isn't quite done, let it sit with the lid on another 10 minutes or so.
   
5. 
   
   Step 5
   Fluff with a fork to separate the grains. Serve as a side dish or use in recipes as desired.
   

Rice Cooker Instructions

6. 
   
   Step 1
   Place the desired amount of rice into the inner pan that came with your cooker.
   
7. 
   
   Step 2
   Add water at the 1 ½ cup to 1 cup rice ratio.
   
8. 
   
   Step 3
   Close the lid and turn on the cooker. The light will alert you to when the rice is done.
   
9. 
   
   Step 4
   Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.