Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (2024)

Why we ALL should be eating Forbidden Black Rice! Plus 3 healthy ways to cook black rice: Stovetop, Instant Pot & Pilaf! A healthy, vegan, gluten-free side dish full of powerful health benefits: Black rice the mostnutritious rice you can get- the highest protein, the lowest carbs, and the lowest calories compared to other rice! Video.

Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (1)

Forbidden Black Riceis slowly gaining in popularity here in the states and I wanted to share why and give you three easy ways to cook this nutritional powerhouse. If you are curious about what Forbidden Black Rice tastes like, to me it has a nutty, earthy flavor from the bran (outer husk) and a very subtle, slightly sweet interior. In a nutshell, it tastes delicious!

A little history…

Why is it called Forbidden Black Rice?

It is believed that in Ancient China, black rice, was discovered as being “superior” to other types of rice due to its rich health benefits and powerful medicinal properties. It is said that a handful of noble Chinese men, saw an opportunity in this and scoured the country and took every grain of black rice and withheld it from the public, controllingits production, severely limiting the quantities and selling it strickly to royalty, creating a huge demand. The common peoplewere forbidden from growing or eating it, earning its verypopular label – forbidden black rice.

Health Benefits of Forbidden Black Rice:

  1. Powerful Antioxidant: Some studies show even more powerful than blueberries! The deep black or purple color of black rice’s outer layer – the bran and hull- contains apowerful antioxidant called anthocyanin. The level of anthocyanin contained in black riceis higher than any other grain, including brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, or other colored whole grain varieties.
  2. Lowers Cholesterol: Studies show that the phytochemicals found in black rice reduce the LDL cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol) which is a common contributor to cardiovascular diseases, and also lowers overall cholesterol.
  3. Fights Cancer: A study conducted in China found that an anthocyanin-rich extract of black rice suppressed tumor growth and spread of breast cancer cells in mice. More studies are in the works.
  4. Anti-inflammatory: A study in Korea found that black rice helped reduce edema and skin allergies- an indicator of the potential of black rice in treating diseases that are associated with chronic inflammation.
  5. Promotes Healthy Weight Management: lower in calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in protein and fiber than white or brown rice, black rice is a lower calorie powerhouse.
  6. Promotes Healthy Brain Function: A study conducted in Bulgaria found anthocyanins to improve learning and memory functioning with current studies underway on Alzheimer’sprevention.

Black Rice Pilaf | 60-sec video

Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (2)

Nutritional Values of 1cup cooked Black Rice compared to white and brown rice:

  • White rice – 236 calories | 45 g carbs | 3 grams protein |
  • Brown rice – 222 calories | 45 g carbs | 4.5 g protein |
  • Black rice – 200 calories | 34 g carbs| 6 grams protein |

In a nutshell, forbidden black rice is lower in calories, higher in protein and lower in carbs.

How to cook Black Rice:

  1. Stovetopmethod: Cook like pasta in ample salted water, drain and fluff. (20 minutes!)
  2. Instantpot: Cook with equal parts water, one to one, 18 mins on high. Naturally, release for 10 minutes. (38 mins total)
  3. Pilaf: Simmer gently in veggie or stock with aromatics, covered -1 cup rice to 2 1/2 cups stock. (45 minutes)

The verdict: STOVETOP! The easiest and fastest way!

Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (3)

  • Cook like you would pasta in ample salted water, no need to measure! Simmer until tender about 20- 25 minutes. Drain and fluff.

Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (4)

How to Cook Black Rice in an Instant Pot!

  1. Cook with equal parts water, one to one, 18 mins on high.
  2. Naturally, release for 10 minutes. (38 mins total)
  3. Just 5 mins of hands-on time.
  4. Feel free to increase quantity using the same times.

How to Make Black Rice Pilaf!

  • Saute onion or shallot, add aromatics and stock, cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  • Tastiest, but more steps.

Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (5)

Where to find Forbidden Black Rice:

Other Rice Recipes you may like:

  • Strawberry Salad with Basil, Arugula and Black Rice
  • Kale Salad with Fresh Cherries, Black Rice, Haloumi and Mint
  • Seasoned Japanese Rice with Furikake
  • How to Cook FLUFFY Basmati Rice!
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • How to Make Cauliflower Rice
  • Everyday Quinoa with Lemon, Shallots and Herbs
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Side Dishes

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Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (6)

Forbidden Black Rice Recipes

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: side, vegan side dish, vegan side
  • Method: stovetop, instant pot, pilaf
  • Cuisine: Northwest
Print Recipe

Description

3 healthy ways to cook forbiddenblack rice– stovetop, Instant Pot & Pilaf! A healthy vegan gluten-free side dish full of powerful health benefits. The most nutritious rice you can find!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Stovetop:

  1. 1 cup forbidden black rice
  2. 6 cups water
  3. generous pinch salt

Instant Pot:

Black Rice Pilaf:

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil ( or butter)
  2. 1 shallot – chopped
  3. 1 1/2 cups forbidden black rice
  4. 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme ( or 1 teaspoon dry)
  5. 2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon broth or stock ( veggie or chicken)
  6. 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  7. 1 bay leaf
  8. pinch salt and pepper
  9. 1/3 cup slivered almonds ( save 2 tablespoons for garnish)
  10. Garnish: 1-2 tablespoons Italian parsley

Instructions

Stove Top Method: Cook like pasta! Bring water and rice to a boil, let simmer uncovered until tender about 25-40 mintues. Drain and fluff. Season!

Instant Pot: Place equal parts water and black rice in the instant pot. Add a pinch of salt. Set pressure to 18 minutes on high. Let naturally release for at least 10 minutes.

Black Rice Pilaf: heat oil in a10-inch skillet over medium heat and add the shallots, stirring until golden and fragrant, about 4 -5 minutes. Add rice and thyme and saute 3-4 minutes. Add stock, garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper and 1/2 the almonds. Bring to a simmer, stirring. Cover, turn heat to low and cook 25-30 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated and rice is tender. Garnish with remaining almonds and parsley.

Notes

The stovetop method is fastest.

The instant pot is the least hands-on time.

The Pilaf has the Most flavor!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 200
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Protein: 6 grams
Forbidden Black Rice: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat forbidden rice everyday? ›

“While black rice is highly nutritious, rather than eating it daily, it's best to rotate it with other whole grain options for more dietary variety and to reduce your intake of arsenic [which is found in most types of rice],” says Chatfield.

Should you soak black rice before cooking? ›

By soaking black rice 30 minutes before cooking, you'll end up with a more tender and moist texture. Otherwise, you can also prepare it straight from the jar for a texture that's firmer and more chewy. Get the right ratio. 1 cup of black rice is best prepared with 2 cups of water.

What is the difference between black rice and forbidden rice? ›

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a type of heirloom grain that was once reserved only for royalty in ancient China. It has a striking dark color and is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture.

What does black rice do to your body? ›

The outer layer of a black rice grain contains a higher level of the antioxidant anthocyanin than other types of rice and many other foods. Antioxidants help prevent cardiovascular disease, improve brain function and protect against cancer caused by free radicals damaging your cells.

What is the disadvantage of black rice? ›

Being rich in fibre, black rice might lead to problems like gas and abdominal pain if consumed in excess.

Why is forbidden black rice prohibited? ›

Forbidden rice is also known as imperial rice, heaven rice and king's rice. In ancient China, this exquisite ingredient was exclusive to the emperors, who ate it for longevity and good health. It was forbidden to all but the most wealthy and powerful people, thus its name.

What happens if you don't wash black rice? ›

If you aren't careful to wash black rice before cooking it in the rice cooker, you could end up with a gummy result, or worse – the excess starches could cause a volcano-like effect in your rice cooker and spill starchy purple goo all over your kitchen counter.

Which is the healthiest rice to eat? ›

For example, whole grains are better for our health when compared to simple carbs – which is why brown rice or black rice are regarded as the healthiest options. You should certainly be looking into eating whole grain rice.

Do you have to wash black rice? ›

Since most rice cookers instruct you to rinse the rice before cooking, go ahead and rinse your black rice in a fine-mesh strainer for this method. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, then add salt to taste and water to the level indicated for brown rice (rice cookers should have markings inside the pot).

Why is black rice so expensive? ›

Its low yield (about 10 percent) means that black rice is still rarer than other types of rice, and the fact that it's been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine makes this rice special, even if it's no longer for royals only.

Can diabetics eat black rice? ›

Black rice is one of the less well-known but healthy foods for diabetes. According to Ayurvedic doctors, consuming black rice helps fend off diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and even weight gain.

What does forbidden black rice taste like? ›

Black rice, which often turns dark purple once cooked, has a mild, nutty taste similar to brown rice. Also referred to as "forbidden rice," it's a great source of iron, vitamins and antioxidants.

Does black rice reduce belly fat? ›

Antioxidants found in black rice have the potential to burn fats, bad lipids, and triglycerides, which can help you rapidly reduce belly fat. Therefore, consuming food rich in antioxidants is a great way to benefit from the many health advantages, such as weight loss.

Can you eat black rice by itself? ›

If you have a compromised digestive system then you might want to cook it, to make it easier to digest, otherwise you can eat black forbidden rice raw, just soak it, drain the water and enjoy.

Is black rice inflammatory? ›

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, black rice also protects liver and kidney from injuries.

Is forbidden rice bad for you? ›

Yes, black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is considered to be highly nutritious and beneficial for health. It is a type of whole grain rice with a dark, black or purple color, and it has a unique nutty flavor.

What is the healthiest rice to eat everyday? ›

Brown rice: Brown rice retains its nutrient-rich bran and germ, making it a healthier option compared to white rice. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.

Is forbidden rice inflammatory? ›

Anthocyanin is a pigment that's responsible for the black-purple color of forbidden rice. It's also been found to have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.

Is it good to eat beaten rice everyday? ›

Beaten rice is rich in vitamin B, which can help you stay energized and improve one's brain health. “Did you know? A bowl of cooked poha contains about 250 calories, and by adding vegetables, the dish packs a punch with its host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

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