For many centuries, jasmine rice has been a staple of Southeast Asian cuisine and culture, and now its exquisite flavor and aroma have made it a favorite ingredient all around the world. In this article, you’ll discover the history, the benefits and the uses of this wonderful grain. In this article, you’ll explore the wonders of jasmine rice, from its history and nutritional benefits to its uses in cooking.
So, get ready to learn about this Southeast Asian jewel and start cooking up some delicious recipes!
Jasmine rice nutritional values
Jasmine rice is a delicious and aromatic long-grain variety of rice. It’s widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Basically, It is a type of white rice and is high in carbohydrates. According to mahatmarice.com/products/jasmine-white-rice/, one cup of cooked jasmine rice contains 205 calories, 43.5 grams of carbohydrates, 0.4 gram of fat, and 4.2 grams of protein., one cup of cooked jasmine rice contains 205 calories, 43.5 grams of carbohydrates, 0.4 gram of fat, and 4.2 grams of protein.
It’s also an excellent source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, thiamin, and zinc. Additionally, it is low in sodium and contains no cholesterol.
Main differences between Jasmine rice and white rice
- Taste: Jasmine rice has a sweet and nutty flavor, while white rice lacks flavor.
- Texture: Jasmine rice is softer and has a fluffier texture than white rice. It is also more sticky, which makes it ideal for making sushi and other dishes that require rice to stick together.
- Aroma: This rise has a distinctive jasmine aroma, while white rice has no particular smell.
- Nutrition: Jasmine rice is higher in fiber and vitamins than white rice, as it is a whole grain.
- Cooking: Jasmine rice requires more water than white rice and takes longer to cook.
- Price: It is usually more expensive than white rice.
Pad Thai: A typical dish made with Jasmine rice
Pad Thai is widely popular, not only in Thailand, but all around the world. It is a stir-fried noodle dish, typically made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and a variety of spices and seasonings. Pad Thai is usually topped with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. It is usually served with a sweet and sour sauce, which adds another layer of flavor.
Its complex and incredibly delicious flavor combines sweet, salty and sour elements in a harmonious blend that is uniquely Thai. The addition of fresh herbs, such as coriander, basil or mint, enhances the flavor and adds another layer of exoticism. This dish is usually not too spicy, although it can be adjusted to suit one’s preference.
Pad Thai is a great choice for a quick meal or dinner party. It is easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables and proteins. It is also a healthy option, as it is low in calories and fat, and high in protein and fiber.
Below there’s a not too complex recipe for Pad Thai that you will enjoy making at home.
Ingredients needed
- 2 cups of cooked Jasmine rice.
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste.
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
- 1/4 cup of chopped garlic.
- 1/4 cup of chopped shallots.
- 1/4 cup of chopped red chili peppers.
- 1/4 cup of chopped firm tofu.
- 1/4 cup of chopped dried shrimp.
- 1/4 cup of chopped roasted peanuts.
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
What you’ll need to do?
Follow these instructions step by step:
- Start by boiling a pot of water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rice noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are soft.
- In the meantime, you can chop the vegetables and other ingredients into medium-sized pieces (in fact, size is up to the cook’s taste).
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil, tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic and shallot.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Add the bean sprouts, peanuts, tofu, egg, and noodles and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Squeeze the juice of the lime over the noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
As you have seen, Pad Thai is a delicious, nutritious, and quite easy to make dish that is sure to please. It is an excellent choice for a quick dinner or an exciting party dish.
Also read: 6 ‘Health Foods’ You Will Never Catch A Nutritionist Eating
