What is the Best Rice to Use in Soup?
Whether you are a soup aficionado or simply looking for an inexpensive and easy way to add more substance to your dinner, rice is a great way to go. Not only does it enhance the flavor of your soup, it also absorbs the liquid surrounding it. The key is to know how much liquid to add to your soup in order to get the rice to be just the right texture. There are many different varieties to choose from including wild rice, white and brown rice, basmati, jasmine, and sushi rice.
There are a number of recipes that call for using uncooked rice in your soup, but this can actually have the opposite effect. Uncooked rice is a starch granule that absorbs liquid, which can make the soup mushy and thick. To avoid this, rinse the rice before cooking it. This process removes the starch off the grain and reduces the risk of over-thickening the soup.
Using pre-cooked rice is another convenient option. You can purchase it in most supermarkets. It can also be used in soups after it is cooked. When adding the rice to the pot, don’t forget to stir frequently to ensure it is tender. Also, keep in mind that long-grain rices are not as robust as other types. They can still be very fragrant, but they may not be the best choice for soups.
In addition to rinsing the rice, there are a few other tips and tricks to getting the rice to the proper level of doneness. Adding the proper amount of water to the rice will help it cook faster and prevent it from becoming a mushy mess.
Another thing to keep in mind when using rice in your soup is to check the nutritional information. There are a number of rice types to choose from, and depending on the recipe, you may need to tweak the recipe in order to get the most of the rice. If you are using the rice as a base, consider buying the organic low-sodium chicken broth. Trader Joe’s organic low-sodium chicken broth is a good option, and it’s fairly inexpensive.
Using the proper types of spices can also improve the flavor of your soup. You can add red pepper flakes to your soup for an extra kick of spice. You can even garnish your soup with grated cheese or chopped parsley.
Among the plethora of soup-related rice recipes, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. One that comes to mind is the creamy chicken and wild rice soup. A combination of rice, rotisserie chicken, and veggies can be transformed into a hearty dish that’s sure to please.
The above recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover shredded chicken. If you are pressed for time, you can buy a rotisserie chicken instead. Adding a little Italian seasoning can really take this soup to the next level.
Other great soup-related rice ideas include black rice, sushi rice, and basmati rice. For a more robust, nuttier texture, try brown rice.
