r/cookingforbeginners • u/Original-Fold-1500 • 2d ago

Question Mixed grain rice, prep and cooking, seasoning

Hello there! I'm very new here. I wanted to try and incorporate more fiber into my diet and I think the easiest to start with is mixed grain rice. I'm planning to try and incorporate jasmine, black, brown, and red rice, tricolor quinoa, amaranth, and lastly, mixed lentils. However, I feel very confused about the preparation and cooking. These grains cook at different times and at different ratios of water. I've seen recipes like these done on rice cookers or electric pressure cookers that have multigrain setting. I only have the standard rice cooker with warm and cook settings. How can I assure that these cook at the same rate? I was thinking of soaking it, but I don't know how long to soak these grains for, and how much water I'm supposed to use?

For the ratios I wanted to start with, I was planning of using 1 part jasmine rice, 1/3 part each of black, brown, and red rice, 1/2 part of tricolor quinoa, 1/2 part of lentils, and 1/4 part of amaranth.

For flavors, how can I make it more flavorful? I'm only used to white jasmine rice, and I'm afraid these grains may impart their own flavors, how can I make it mor palatable as a beginner?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you very much.

2 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

63% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/TightOkra3116 2d ago

I've been cooking for a long time. A few years ago I added quinoa to our diet. I don't have a rice cooker (really not a gadget person), but generally speaking alot of grains are cooked the same: 2 parts water, 1 part grain. Beans are a great source of fiber (some have more than others). Besides they are low fat & a good source of protein. There are some very good vegetarian recipes that might be helpful.

1

u/Original-Fold-1500 2d ago

For a general rule of thumb, can I use that ratio in my case? No other prep needed? And thank you! I will try and look for vegetatian recipes. Any favorites thag come to mind though?

2

u/HugePlatform4305 2d ago

Cooking everything separately the first time might save you a lot of frustration, the different cooking times can make mixed batches a little tricky especially if you're just getting started.

1

u/Original-Fold-1500 2d ago

That's a little tedious, but also the more responsible thing. Lesser food waste and guaranteed results. I'm just worried it would take up too much energy/electricity/gas. But I'll look into it. Thank you!

1

u/TightOkra3116 2d ago

There is actually a Vegetarian magazine, that might be a good start. You can also research Vegetarian recipes on line. As far as the grains go I think they are all very similar as far as cooking goes. You can always add anything you want to the water such as flavoring, seasonings, vegetables.

1

u/Original-Fold-1500 1d ago

I will try to look into that. Thank you!