Olivia Carter
Matta rice, also known as red rice or Kerala rice, is a nutritious and flavorful variety of rice. It is widely consumed in the southern parts of India, especially in Kerala. If you have an electric rice cooker, cooking matta rice becomes an easy and convenient task.
In this article, we will guide you on how to cook matta rice in an electric rice cooker to perfection. Whether you plan to cook it for a simple meal or a special occasion, these steps will help you achieve delicious and fluffy matta rice every time.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Measure the desired amount of matta rice using a measuring cup. Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove any excess starch.
- Transfer the rinsed rice to the inner pot of your electric rice cooker. Add the appropriate amount of water based on the rice-to-water ratio.
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and plug it in. Select the rice or white rice setting, depending on the options available on your rice cooker. Leave it undisturbed throughout the cooking process.
- Once the rice is cooked, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the keep warm mode. Allow the rice to sit in the cooker for about 10 minutes to let it steam and fluff up.
- After the resting time, open the lid and use a fork or a rice paddle to gently fluff the rice. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously cooked matta rice!
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook matta rice in an electric rice cooker and enjoy its unique taste and texture. Pair it with your favorite curries or side dishes for a complete meal.
So, go ahead and give it a try! Your family and friends will surely appreciate the flavorful and nutritious matta rice cooked to perfection.
Step 1: Rinse the Matta Rice
Before cooking the Matta rice in an electric rice cooker, it is important to rinse it thoroughly. This helps to remove any dirt, dust, or impurities that may be present on the rice grains.
To rinse the rice, measure the desired amount of Matta rice using a measuring cup and transfer it to a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water, covering the rice completely.
Use your hands to gently agitate the rice grains in the water, swishing them around. This helps to loosen any dirt or impurities stuck to the rice.
Once the rice has been swirled around in the water for a few seconds, carefully pour out the cloudy water. Repeat this process two to three more times until the water runs clear.
Rinsing the Matta rice not only ensures cleanliness but also helps to remove excess starch from the grains. This can prevent the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy while cooking.
Step 2: Measure Water for Cooking Matta Rice
Once you have measured the desired amount of Matta rice, it is important to measure the correct amount of water for cooking. The ratio of rice to water is crucial in achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
The general rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of Matta rice. However, this ratio can vary depending on the texture you prefer. If you like your rice to be softer, you can add a little more water.
Using the same measuring cup you used for the rice, carefully pour the water into the rice cooker. Make sure to pour it into the center, avoiding any spillage along the sides.
Remember, the key to cooking perfect Matta rice is getting the water-to-rice ratio just right, so take your time and measure the water accurately.
Step 3: Add Salt and Oil to the Rice
Once the rice is washed and soaked, it’s time to add some flavor and prevent it from sticking together. This is done by adding salt and oil to the rice. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Measure the required amount of salt and oil. For every cup of rice, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil.
2. Take the washed and soaked rice and transfer it to the rice cooker pot.
3. Sprinkle the measured salt evenly over the rice. This will ensure that all the grains are seasoned properly.
4. Drizzle the measured oil over the rice. This will help in keeping the grains separate and avoid them from clumping together.
5. Gently mix the rice, salt, and oil together using a spoon or your fingertips. Make sure all the grains are coated with salt and oil.
| Note: | Adding salt and oil is optional, but it enhances the taste and texture of the rice. |
6. Once the salt and oil are added, close the lid of the rice cooker.
7. Now, you are ready to cook the rice. Follow the instructions provided by your rice cooker’s manufacturer to cook the rice to perfection.
By adding salt and oil to the rice, you will be able to enjoy perfectly seasoned and non-sticky matar rice cooked in an electric rice cooker.
Step 4: Cook the Matta Rice in the Electric Rice Cooker
Once the soaking time is complete, drain the water from the rice using a colander or sieve. Rinse the rice with fresh water a couple of times to remove any excess starch.
Next, transfer the rinsed rice to the electric rice cooker. For every cup of rice, add 2 cups of water. This ratio may vary depending on your specific rice cooker, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended rice-to-water ratio.
Place the lid on the rice cooker and plug it in. Select the “Cook” or “Rice” function on the cooker, and set the cooking time based on the type of rice you are using. For matta rice, set the cooking time to around 20-25 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, avoid opening the lid to ensure even cooking and to prevent the steam from escaping. The rice cooker will automatically switch to the “Keep Warm” mode once the rice is done cooking.
After the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice sit in the rice cooker for a few minutes to allow it to steam and absorb any remaining moisture. This will help to ensure the rice is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
Finally, fluff the cooked matta rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously cooked matta rice!
Step 5: Enjoy the Perfectly Cooked Matta Rice
Congratulations! You have successfully cooked the Matta Rice in your electric rice cooker. Now it’s time to enjoy the delicious and nutritious rice.
1. Carefully open the lid of the rice cooker using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. Be cautious of the hot steam that will escape.
2. Fluff the rice gently with a fork or rice paddle to separate the grains. This will prevent the rice from clumping together and create a light and fluffy texture.
3. Serve the cooked Matta Rice in a bowl or plate. You can enjoy it as a side dish or as the main course.
4. You can enhance the flavor of the rice by adding a dash of salt or seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Pro Tip: Matta Rice pairs well with various curries, stir-fried vegetables, or roasted meats. It is a versatile rice that can be used to create a variety of dishes.
Remember to turn off the rice cooker and unplug it from the power source once you have finished cooking and serving the rice.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfectly cooked Matta Rice!
FAQ
What is Matta rice?
Matta rice, also known as Rosematta rice or Kerala Red rice, is a unique variety of rice that originated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a medium-grain rice with a reddish-brown color and a nutty flavor.
Can I cook Matta rice in an electric rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook Matta rice in an electric rice cooker. Cooking Matta rice in a rice cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this type of rice. The rice cooker ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and to the right texture.
