When you hear about an appliance named a "rice cooker", you would naturally think that it's used to make ... surprise! Rice. And that's true. But in addition to being able to make a perfect pot of rice, a rice cooker is a secret meal helper in kitchens all over the globe. Everything from rice-based stews to soups to legumes to specialty grains can benefit from a rice cooker and a creative cook.
Rice cookers operate on a very simple principle. Water boils at a specific temperature and, in the absence of it, a dish will rapidly rise in temperature. Add a method for registering that temperature change and a way to switch into a warming (or off) mode, and you've got a basic rice cooker. It's an ingenious way to make perfect rice -- brown, white, sushi or basmati -- it can handle it all.
But, you can also use the same appliance to make any number of other great dishes. Since there's no substitute for getting into the fray, I'm going to offer a few great dishes to illustrate my point and introduce you to the joys of a rice cooker.
Wheat berries are a terrific way to increase fiber in your diet and a wonderful way to let your rice cooker do the work for you!
1 c. wheat berries -- find them at the natural foods section of your grocery store
2 c. water
Pinch salt
2/3 c. dried cranberries
2 green onions, bias-sliced
1/2 c. raspberry vinaigrette -- choose your favorite variety
Place the wheat berries in a rice cooker bowl. Add the water and salt; cover the cooker and turn on the HIGH setting.
When the rice cooker switches itself to the WARM (or OFF on some models) position, remove the berries and rinse them under cool water and allow them to drain.
Place the drained wheat berries and the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Serve as a unique side dish with chicken or pork.
This is a great stick-to-your-ribs soup that can be put together in less than an hour. The leftovers make great fare for lunches.
2 c. red lentils
6 c. water
8 oz. smoked sausage, cut into small slices
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, halved and sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
Place all of the ingredients in the rice cooker. Cover and turn on the HIGH setting. Set a timer for 45 minutes.
When the timer sounds, check the soup for doneness. The vegetables should be soft. Adjust the seasonings as necessary and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Yields: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
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