Black Rice Pudding

 

Ingredients

2/3 cups of water

3/4 cup black rice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

2 cups light coconut milk

1 pouch of instant green tea

Directions

In a saucepan bring water to a boil and steep in the green tea pouch for a few minutes. Remove tea pouch and add rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes (add water as necessary). Add brown sugar and white sugar and stir, continue to cook for up to 7 minutes. Add the coconut milk, remove from heat and serve.

adapted from http://www.blackrice.com/recipes/2/

Black Rice with Garnet Yams and Scallions

• Black rice is being touted as the "new " rice. Just another example of wrong information making its way to the public regarding food and nutrition. It's actually an ancient grain - a whole grain, to boot - that is known as forbidden rice and the Emperor's rice. 
• Here's a fabulous way to get rich, antioxidants and other phytonutrients that you likely don't get enough of since dark or purple-pigmented foods aren't abundant. Read more below to find out black rice's rich and interesting history.
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• 3/4 cup Chinese black rice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped (3/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 large garnet yam (12 to 14 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

• Garnish: chopped scallion greens
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  Rinse rice in a sieve under cold water. Bring rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to low and cook rice, covered, until tender and most of water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Let rice stand, covered, for about 10 minutes.
  Meanwhile, while rice cooks, heat oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté scallions, ginger, and sweet potato, stirring, until coated well, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste, then cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until potato is just tender, about 12 minutes. Add rice and toss gently to combine. Garnish with sliced scallions.
• 
  
yield: Makes 4 servings
active time: 15 minutes
total time: 40 minutes


History of Forbidden Rice

It’s kind of difficult to imagine the archaic times of the ancients when comfortable living was reserved for royalty or only a few lucky individuals. Yes, it’s very hard to picture a time when something as simple as stealing a few handfuls of Black Rice would result in being put to death. Yet that’s exactly the way it was according to the history books. Black Rice is also known as “forbidden rice”, and as the name might imply, consuming it without approval from the proper authorities can have life threatening consequences for those involved. Luckily, we no longer live in times of Black Rice prohibition.
The natural healing power and goodness of black rice has been very well noted in modern times. Loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin E, Fiber, and valuable anti-inflammatory properties, this special rice is truly remarkable in its abilities. In ancient China Black Rice was set aside specifically for the Emperor and / or the royal family, regular people weren’t allowed anywhere near the stuff. Much has been written recently about the studies linking antioxidants to anti-aging. What’s really incredible about Black Rice is the fact that it contains even more antioxidants (per serving) than blueberries; which are famous for their anti-aging properties.
The Emperor says, “Hands off the black rice! It’s mine.”
In ancient times, Emperors reserved this wonderfully nutty rice for their own consumption because it was thought that it would extend their lives; actually, it seems they weren’t that far off the mark. Black rice does provide many health benefits that we are just finding out about now; including prevention and treatment of very serious ailments. Avoiding diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and others may be a way to extend the length and quality of your life.
In addition to its healing and nutritious qualities, it would seem that Black Rice was also considered to be somewhat of an aphrodisiac at one time. It is highly likely that the Emperors down throughout the ages probably shared their Black Rice stock with their consorts or concubines.


Health Benefits
Black Rice has been linked to many health benefits and successes; and recent research suggests that there may be many more that we’re currently not aware of. Consumption of black rice has been linked to marked decreases in risk for dangerous conditions such as heart disease and cancer. High blood pressure, circulation and overall blood health also seems to be maintained well by those who add Black Rice to their diet. Because this special type of rice is considered to be anti-inflammatory and a great source of antioxidants, it may be useful in avoiding long term problems like Alzheimer’s and Diabetes. It’s very possible that even more health related benefits from Black Rice will be revealed as future research is conducted.
The Main Point is….
Black Rice is becoming the new “it” organic food that everyone is talking about. The myriad of health benefits that this ‘nutty’ grain provides are encouraging. Consider adding this whole grain super food to your grocery list and diet. Here are a couple of recipes to help you get started.


resources: http://www.blackrice.com/history/



http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Black-Rice-with-Scallions-and-Sweet-Potatoes-109033#ixzz2N9j2s0bK