What is Asian Black Rice and How do you Prepare it?

Asian black rice is a type of whole-grain rice grown in Laos, Vietnam, China, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, and is often found in Asian grocery stores in the United States. Asian black rice is as nutritious and high in fiber as more common white rice, but also has a sweet nutty flavor that makes it work well with desserts and savory side dishes. Most rice cookers were not designed for the unhulled black rice, but you can cook a delicious meal with a little preparation.


Step 1
Soak the rice overnight. This softens the grain's hull for cooking.


Step 2
Measure out the number of cups of black rice you need for your dish.

Step 3
Measure out 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup for flavor.

Step 4
Place the rice and water in a sauce pan, cover and bring to a boil on high heat.

Step 5
Allow the rice to simmer for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the texture of the rice is soft and chewy. If the rice is still tough, let it simmer for an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 6
Fluff the rice once the desired texture is achieved, and serve.

Valentine’s Day Black-Bean Fudge



Valentine’s Day Black-Bean Fudge

Food for Thought:
Super easy to whip together, this dairy-free fudge recipe features a surprising ingredient: black beans.
Don’t be put off by the legumes—you won’t be able to taste them! The beans replace the milk and sugar in a traditional fudge recipe, while providing a decent amount of protein. Naturally sweet carob powder means very little sweetener is needed. Protect your sweetheart’s health with a batch of these for Valentine’s Day!

• 1 15-ounce can cooked black beans, drained and rinsed (or about 13/4 cups cooked beans)
• 3/4 cup carob powder
• 6 tablespoons (tbs) melted coconut oil
• 4–6 tbs maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Place all ingredients in food processor fitted with “S” blade, and blend until totally smooth. Mixture will be thick.

Line 8- by 4-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, and transfer fudge mixture to pan, spreading mixture to edges.

Refrigerate until totally firm.

Use plastic wrap to lift fudge from pan. Cut into squares and serve. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 24 pieces or 12 servings.

Per Serving:                                                                   

146 calories
6.9 grams (g) fat
2.5 g protein
18.4 g carbs
4.9 g fiber
0 milligrams (mg) cholesterol
101 mg sodium