I am not in a special kind of diet or something but healthy alternative to food I usually enjoy is always welcome to my pantry. When cool peeps from Nuffnang Philippines shared to me a package of RiCo Corn Rice, a product recently introduced to market as a healthy alternative to rice, I was elated.
In our household, corns are aplenty especially when it is in season. If you live somewhere far from the city like I do, chances are, you would understand the romantic notion of planting and growing your own food. Corn is one of those crops I grew up enjoying. Substituting rice in favor of corn is not really a problem for me although I am a big rice eater. So I figured, corn molded into a rice form is something I could enjoy.
RiCo Corn Rice, a product of La Filipina, holds the promise of health benefits compared to rice. It is said that corn rice is low in glycemic index which is good for diabetics and pre-diabetic people, it is also gluten free and trans fat free, and it has no cholesterol which makes it good for the heart. Aside from that, rice corn is also said to be packed with iron, lutein, vitamin a, b-vitamins, amino acids, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, and fiber.
I first read about RiCo Corn Rice and its health benefits through some of my friends' blogs. I even remember bugging Rina who wrote about RiCo at The Pickiest Eater Blog, one time about this rice corn. She recommends trying this one out if I am no longer too keen in having brown rice or the usual white rice. Unfortunately, in our area, it was not that easy to find. So I let the idea of trying it out go for a while.
I was only reminded of it when I got the package from Nuffnang (Muchos Gracias, Nuffies!) And when I checked RiCo Corn Rice website for updates, I was glad that they are now rolling it out to some major supermarkets outside Manila.
Instruction on how to cook RiCo Corn Rice is printed at the back of its packaging alongside the list of ratio of suggested cups of water to cups of corn rice. The process is as easy as cooking your usual rice, but this one cooks faster. Basically you just have to boil water, pour the corn rice, and let it simmer. After 10 to 15 minutes or once it has reached your desired texture and moistness, then you're all good.
I tried substituting my rice with this corn rice and I find that it works well especially when paired with viands consisting of seafood and vegetables. It also paired well with some good slab of steak but I have not tried pairing it with soupy and saucy dishes.
The mouth-feel resembles to that of the usual rice. The taste however still reminds me that I am eating a corn with its subtle flavor that peeks from time to time, which I don't really mind.While I enjoy having it with some savory dishes, its flavor inspired me to experiment a bit and see how it will fare with sweet taste.
So one time, I created my own recipe which was loosely inspired by creamy risotto and our local Guinataang Mais. Loosely, being the operative word since rice corn grains are not starchy enough to yield something that could compete with what Arborio rice can produce. But my recipe calls for continuous careful stirring of the grains just like what I usually do when cooking risotto dish. I use some coconut cream for that Guinataang Mais flair on the flavor.
RECIPE: Milky Rice Corn with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Ingredients:
1 cup of Rico Corn Rice
2 cups of fresh milk
1/2 cup coconut cream
1 tsp. sugar
barks of cinnamon
a pinch or two of ground nutmeg
a pinch or two of ground cinnamon
Procedure:
1. Boil milk with sugar and cinnamon bark
2. When the milk is boiling, remove cinnamon bark and pour RiCo Corn Rice.
3. Simmer while stirring continuously.
4. Add coconut cream, continue stirring.
5. When desired rice corn consistency and texture is achieved, serve with sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg on top.
6. Share and enjoy.
Suggested ratio of water to rice corn is 1 1/4 cup to 1 cup. I use 2
1/2 cups of liquid (milk and coconut cream) because I
want mine to yield soft and creamy grains. But you may adjust
accordingly base on your preference. This recipe is not too sweet as
compared to the usual Guinataang Mais, so if you prefer, you may add
more sugar to it.
Right now I am still experimenting with other recipes I could come up using RiCo Corn Rice and I am having a great time. I still enjoy my usual white and brown rice from time to time but RiCo Corn Rice is a welcome addition to the mix especially during those days when I want to feel and be healthy.
I am interested to know more recipes involving RiCo Rice Corn, so if you have one you can share with me and the readers of YedyLicious, please feel free to comment. I would be very happy to hear your thoughts.
RiCo Corn Rice Prices and Pack Sizes:
1 Kg - Php70
2 Kg - Php125
5 Kg - Php300
Where to buy RiCo Corn Rice?
SM Supermarket and Hypermarket, Rustan’s Supermarket, Walter Mart Supermarket, Ever Supermarket, The Landmark Supermarket, Sta. Lucia East Supermarket, Pioneer Centre Supermarket, Hi-Top Supermarket, Cherry, South Supermarket, San Roque Supermarket, Citimart, Gaisano Mall, David and Son Gaisano & NCCC Supermarket in Davao, Gaisano Mall in Gen San, Emilus in Cavite. Follow their Facebook page for updates on where else you can buy RiCo Corn Rice.
RiCo Corn Rice
Website: www.yummyhealthy.ph
Facebook Page: /yummyhealthylife
Twitter: @yummyhealthyph
Instagram: @yummyhealthyph
