This is black rice; not wild rice or toasted white rice. The rice is short-grain and just as dark as can be. The Emperor of China used to love it and it was believed to be an aphrodisiac. Apparently, he’d forbid his subjects to eat it, it was meant only for him. In any case, it has lots of nutrients, much more so than regular rice.
This black rice is now produced in Italy, and I bought it at a grocery store in Beirut.
Cooking this rice is like any other rice; bring a liquid (at least double the volume of rice) to a simmer and drop the rice in it. It cooks in about 45 minutes and releases a nice nutty fragrance during the process.
INGREDIENTS: 6 servings
- 1 cup of black rice (can substitute any short-grain white rice, just reduce the cooking time)
- 2 cups of sliced calamari or shrimps
- 1 large onion
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste (the equivalent of 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tbsp of hot red pepper paste (optional)
- pinch of saffron diluted in 1 tbsp of hot water
- 2 1/2 cups of fish stock or water
- salt, to taste
- 1 tsp of coriander (optional)
- olive oil, as needed
METHOD:
- Chop the onion and fry in some olive oil or butter. When the onion is translucent, add the sliced calamari or shrimp and briefly cook for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. The cooking time for shrimp is very short, whereas the cooking time for calamari is long and slow. If using shrimp, remove from the pan and reserve. If cooking calamari, add the spices (including the saffron) and toss then add the rice and toss a few seconds.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of fish stock or water and the tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook the rice and calamari for 45 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and the calamari is tender. Serve with some radishes and (or) grilled shrimps or more calamari. If using shrimp, toss the rice with the fried shrimps and serve.
17 Comments
I just bought some black rice at the local Whole Foods. Interesting looking rice. Anxious to try it. This may be just the thing!! Seafood is always a winner here.
A marvelous rice¨This pilaf must be very enjoyable.
Cheers,
Rosa
I think I need to have a bowl of this – it looks so fresh and light and complex at the same time.
I believe this is what I have bought under the name ‘riso venere’: venus rice. It has a very strong and nice smell and I agree it goes particularly well with sea food.
oooh this is beautiful rice and certainly much more elegant than its white counterpart. I love this seafood dish – the flavorings are beautiful and perfect! Wonderful!
@Caffettiera: Yes, this is the label on the box, venere.
@Mark: Thanks for the additional info!
A neighbor just gave me some of this rice today and I’m thrilled to have found your post on the topic and this recipe. I’ll definitely be trying this.
I have not tried cooking this in a savory form before, usually sweet with coconut milk…this savory version sounds delicious!
Riso Venere is perfect with seafood,lovely recipe Joumana, have a good day…
It is very sexy rice, and great to go with shrimp, which is also very sexy. There is a sushi joint near my parents house in Huntington Beach which serves black rice sushi – stepping it up!
Yes indeed, makes beautiful Sushi.
I’m a Sushi Chef, the “forbidden rice” is not only lovely with Nori but the pigment it has contains Anthocyanin, which makes it very rich in nutrients.
I’ve heard of black rice but have yet to see it in the stores I visit. You’ve enticed me with your description of the nutty aroma!
looks great I have cooked with it once
Looks delicious!
I am a fan of different rices – black or “forbidden” rice is a favorite as is Burmese (Himalayan) red rice which is also nutty and delicious.
Laura
I have cooked black squid ink pasta with seafood but have never tried black rice. This sounds so delicious and I will be looking for it!
I have tried wild rice and red Thai rice but never black, I must search for it!
Life and travelling
Cooking
I adore black rice….what a beautiful plate it makes here.