Grain of the Week - 32 - Sri Lankan Red Rice (Basmati)

My first introduction to the Sri Lankan red rice were through the string hoppers made from brown rice that I tasted at my friend's house. Unlike the pure white ones that we called sandhavai that I was familiar with, these were hardier and of course prettier.

Replacing the nutritiously poor but glucose and carbohydrate rich white rice is what set me on this Grain of the Week series and what an eye opener it has been. This Sri Lankan red rice is one such find. On my numerous visits to the Sri Lankan grocery store I have seen this rice but simply failed to give it a try till this series came about.

This red rice is the traditional rice of Sri Lanka rich in fiber and minerals giving a run for the brown rice. Unlike white rice red rice helps to reduce blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and improves bowel movement. With a nutty flavor red rice most red rice are heirloom varieties compared to brown rice. source.

Moreover the flavor of red rice is nuttier and not the pasty consistency of the brown rice. For those of you trying to switch from white rice to another fiber rice variety of rice this is something you might want to try.

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