Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice or rose matta rice, is a traditional variety of rice from the southern state of Kerala in India. It is a highly nutritious and flavorful rice that is grown in the fertile paddy fields along the Malabar Coast. The unique reddish-brown color and nutty taste make it a popular choice for many South Indian dishes. While cooking matta rice in a pressure cooker is a common method, not everyone has a pressure cooker at home. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook matta rice without a pressure cooker using simple and readily available kitchen tools.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you start cooking matta rice, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic recipe:
1. Matta rice: Measure the desired quantity of rice based on your serving size. It is recommended to rinse the rice thoroughly in water before cooking.
2. Cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid: Choose a heavy-bottomed pot that can retain heat well.
3. Water: You will need water in a ratio of 1:2, one part rice to two parts water.
4. Salt: Add salt according to your taste preferences.
5. Optional ingredients: You can also add ghee (clarified butter) or oil for added flavor.
Soaking the Rice
Soaking matta rice before cooking is an important step to ensure even cooking and a fluffy texture. Follow these steps to soak the rice properly:
1. Measure the desired quantity of rice and place it in a large bowl.
2. Rinse the rice under running water to remove any impurities or dust.
3. Fill the bowl with enough water to submerge the rice completely.
4. Allow the rice to soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps in softening the grains and reducing the cooking time.
Stovetop Cooking Method
Now that you have soaked the rice, it’s time to cook it on the stovetop. Follow these simple steps:
1. Drain the soaked rice using a colander or sieve to remove the excess water.
2. Place the cooking pot on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium.
3. Add the drained rice to the pot and spread it evenly.
4. Measure double the quantity of water compared to the rice. For example, if you have one cup of rice, add two cups of water.
5. Add salt according to your taste preferences and mix it well with the rice and water.
6. If desired, add a teaspoon of ghee or oil for flavor. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of the cooked rice.
7. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
8. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
9. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the water and cook to perfection.
10. After 15-20 minutes, switch off the heat and let the rice sit in the covered pot for another 5 minutes. This helps in the steaming process and makes the rice fluffy.
11. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Variations and Tips
– For a more fragrant rice, you can add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves to the pot before adding the rice and water.
– If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the water-to-rice ratio to 1:2.5 or 1:3.
– Avoid stirring the rice too vigorously while cooking, as it can break the grains and make the rice sticky.
– If you don’t have ghee or oil, you can skip this ingredient. The rice will still turn out delicious.
– To add a vibrant touch to your rice, you can sauté some diced onions, ginger, and garlic in a separate pan with ghee or oil before adding the rice. This will give a flavorful twist to your dish.
Serving and Enjoying Matta Rice
Matta rice is a versatile grain that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Pair it with curries: Matta rice goes well with a wide range of curries, such as chicken curry, fish curry, or vegetable curry. The nutty flavor of the rice complements the rich and aromatic curries.
2. Serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats: The fluffy texture and mild taste of matta rice make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats like chicken, beef, or lamb.
3. Prepare biryani: Matta rice can be used to prepare flavorful biryanis by layering it with cooked meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This one-pot dish makes a complete meal on its own.
Matta rice is not only delicious but also packed with several health benefits. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. It also has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes.
In conclusion, cooking matta rice without a pressure cooker is simple and can be done using basic kitchen tools. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked matta rice with a fluffy texture and delightful taste. So, go ahead and enjoy this traditional South Indian rice delicacy in the comfort of your home!