Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice or Rosematta rice, is a nutritious and flavorful variety of rice that is widely popular in South India, especially in Kerala. It is a medium-grain rice that has a reddish-brown color and a slightly nutty taste. Cooking matta rice in a rice cooker is a convenient and foolproof method that ensures perfectly cooked rice every time. If you’re new to cooking matta rice or just want to simplify the process, this quick guide will walk you through the steps of cooking matta rice in a rice cooker.
Choosing the Right Rice Cooker
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to ensure that you have a rice cooker suitable for cooking matta rice. Look for a rice cooker that has a “brown rice” or “multigrain” setting, as these settings are specifically designed to cook longer and more fibrous grains like matta rice. If your rice cooker doesn’t have these specific settings, don’t worry; you can still cook matta rice using the regular “white rice” setting.
Preparing the Rice
Like with any other rice, proper preparation is key to achieving the best results. Start by measuring the desired amount of matta rice using the measuring cup that came with your rice cooker. As a general guideline, 1 cup of uncooked matta rice will yield approximately 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice, depending on the desired level of fluffiness.
Once you have measured the rice, it is crucial to rinse it thoroughly. Rinsing helps remove excess starch and impurities from the rice, resulting in better texture and taste. Place the measured rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This process usually takes two to three rinses.
Soaking the Rice (Optional)
Soaking the rice is an optional step but can help improve the texture of the cooked rice. Soaking allows the grains to absorb some moisture and soften, which can reduce the cooking time. If you choose to soak the rice, place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with enough water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to an hour, and then drain the water before cooking.
The Cooking Process
Now that the rice is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start the cooking process. Add the rinsed and soaked rice (if applicable) to the inner pot of the rice cooker. For every cup of matta rice, add the corresponding amount of water. The general guideline is to add 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice, but you can adjust the water quantity based on your preferred level of softness.
If your rice cooker has a specific setting for brown rice or multigrain, select that setting. Otherwise, set the rice cooker to the regular “white rice” setting. Close the lid of the rice cooker and let it do its magic.
Additional Tips for Cooking
To enhance the flavor of the rice, you can add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the rice and water mixture before cooking. This step is optional but can lend a subtle richness to the final dish.
Avoid opening the lid of the rice cooker while the rice is cooking. Opening the lid can disrupt the cooking process and result in unevenly cooked rice. Trust the rice cooker to do its job and resist the temptation to peek.
Resting and Fluffing
Once the rice cooker has finished cooking, let the rice rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to distribute evenly throughout the rice, resulting in a more fluffy and evenly cooked final product.
After the resting period, gently fluff the rice using a fork or rice paddle. Start from the edges and work your way towards the center to ensure that all the grains of rice are loosened.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked matta rice can be served as a nutritious and filling main dish or as a side dish accompanying curries, stews, or grilled meats. Its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with a variety of Indian and international cuisines.
To add more dimension to the rice, you can mix in some sautéed onions, roasted nuts, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. These additions can elevate the taste and presentation of the dish.
Matta rice is also commonly used to make traditional South Indian delicacies like “Malabar biryani” or “neychoru.” These rice dishes often incorporate a mix of spices, vegetables, and meat or seafood to create a flavorful one-pot meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover cooked matta rice, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat the rice, sprinkle a few teaspoons of water evenly over the rice to add moisture. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Fluff the rice again before serving to redistribute the moisture and restore its fluffiness.
Experiment and Enjoy!
Now that you have learned the basics of cooking matta rice in a rice cooker, feel free to experiment and customize the dish according to your taste preferences. You can incorporate various spices, vegetables, and proteins to create your unique matta rice recipes.
Cooking matta rice in a rice cooker is a fuss-free way to enjoy this nutritious and flavorful rice. Whether you decide to serve it as a standalone main dish or pair it with your favorite curries, the process remains simple and straightforward. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the world of delicious matta rice dishes!