This type of rice is characterized by its jasmine aroma and soft, moist texture. It is a type of glutinous rice that is widely used in Thai and Southeastern cuisine and is mainly used in fried rice dishes and curries. The moist and sticky texture of jasmine rice makes it ideal for pairing with sauces and stews, as it sticks well to ingredients and retains its shape well.
A bit of history
Jasmine rice is a type of rice that originated in Thailand, and is believed to have been cultivated there for over a thousand years. It has been a staple in the Thai diet and has been valued for its distinctive sweet jasmine aroma, which comes from the variety of glutinous rice used to grow it. This type of rice is also known as “Kao Dawk Mali 105” or “KDML105”, and was discovered by Mr. Sunthorn Seehanern, a rice official in Chachengsao province. This type of rice used to grow in the high mountains of Thailand and for centuries was cultivated exclusively by the nobles of the Kingdom of Siam.
Jasmine rice is also an important component of Thai culture and tradition, and is used in many special events, such as weddings and festivals. It is a key ingredient in many Thai dishes, including fried rice, curries and rice salads, and is considered an important way of expressing hospitality and generosity in Thai culture.
With globalization and the increasing popularity of Thai cuisine around the world, jasmine rice has become increasingly popular and is readily available in many supermarkets and specialty stores internationally.
Nutritional values
Jasmine rice is a source of complex carbohydrates and contains a moderate amount of protein and fat. In terms of nutritional values, a 100 gram serving of cooked jasmine rice contains approx:
- Calories: 130 to 150.
- Carbohydrates: 29 to 32 grams.
- Proteins: 2 to 4 grams.
- Fats: 0.5 to 1 gram.
- Fiber: 0,5 to 1 gram.
In addition, jasmine rice also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium and B vitamins. However, the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the brand and preparation methods, so it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
How to prepare Jasmine rice
Here is a basic recipe for cooking jasmine rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Wash the jasmine rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice, water and pinch of salt.
- Bring the contents of the pot to a boil and, once the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to its lowest setting and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the rice grains are tender and have absorbed all the water.
To prepare in a rice cooker it is only necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as each cooker has its own cooking times and methods.
Some cooks will add spices, herbs or oils to the pot before cooking the rice to give it more flavor, while others use different proportions of water or different cooking methods to achieve a different texture. Overall, jasmine rice is versatile and easy to cook, and is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines.
If you want also to know a delicious coconut rice recipe made with Jasmine rice, just follow this link: https://mahatmarice.com/recipes/easy-coconut-rice/
Popular Jasmine rice recipes
Here is a list of some of the most famous recipes using jasmine rice:
- Pad Thai: This is a popular Thai dish that combines jasmine fried rice with egg noodles, vegetables, tofu and a variety of spices and sauces.
- Jasmine rice curry: This is a dish that combines jasmine rice with a variety of spices and sauces.
- Mango with jasmine rice: This is a popular dessert that combines ripe mango with cooked jasmine rice and dipped in a mixture of milk, sugar and spices.
- Chicken with jasmine rice: This is a simple dish that combines grilled chicken with jasmine rice and vegetables.
- Nasi Goreng: This is a popular Indonesian dish that combines jasmine fried rice with protein, vegetables and spices.
These are just a few of the many recipes that use jasmine rice as a main or secondary ingredient. This type of rice is versatile and easy to cook, and can be used in a wide variety of dishes and desserts.
