Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing bowl of ice rice? This dish is a popular dessert in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam. It's a simple yet satisfying treat that's perfect for those hot days when you need something cool and sweet. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about making ice rice, including the ingredients, instructions, and nutrition.
Ingredients
To make ice rice, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 cup of glutinous rice
1 can of coconut milk
1/2 cup of sugar
A pinch of salt
1-2 cups of ice cubes
Fruit or toppings of your choice (optional)
Glutinous Rice
Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice, is a type of short-grain rice that is high in starch. It's called "sticky" because it becomes very sticky and clumps together when cooked. This type of rice is essential for making ice rice because it gives the dish its signature texture.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a creamy, rich liquid that is made from grated coconut flesh. It's commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and is a key ingredient in ice rice. The coconut milk gives the dish a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
Sugar and Salt
Sugar and salt are used to sweeten and flavor the ice rice. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, but keep in mind that the dish should be fairly sweet. The salt helps to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are added to the dish to give it a refreshing, icy texture. You can use as many or as few ice cubes as you like, depending on how icy you want the dish to be.
Fruit and Toppings
Fruit and other toppings are optional but can add a nice burst of flavor and texture to the dish. Some popular toppings include sliced mango, chopped peanuts, and sweetened condensed milk.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to make ice rice! Here's how:
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice in cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear. This will help remove any excess starch and ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
Step 2: Soak the Rice
Next, soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will help soften the rice and make it easier to cook.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a pot. Add enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Make the Coconut Milk Mixture
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the coconut milk mixture. In a separate pot, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Mix the Rice and Coconut Milk
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and add it to the pot with the coconut milk mixture. Stir well until the rice is fully coated in the coconut milk mixture.
Step 6: Add Ice Cubes
Next, add the ice cubes to the pot and stir well. The ice will melt and create a slushy, icy texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ice has melted, the ice rice is ready to serve! You can add fruit or other toppings if you like. Serve the dish cold and enjoy.
Nutrition
Here's the nutrition information for a serving of ice rice (without toppings):
Calories: 251
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 64mg
Glutinous Rice
Glutinous rice is high in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein. It's also a good source of B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is high in fat and calories, but it's also a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.
Sugar and Salt
Sugar and salt are both high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes don't have any nutritional value, but they can help keep you hydrated on hot days.
Fruit and Toppings
The nutrition information for fruit and other toppings will vary depending on what you choose to add. Keep in mind that some toppings, like sweetened condensed milk, can be high in sugar and calories.
Conclusion
Ice rice is a delicious and refreshing treat that's perfect for summer. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Give it a try and beat the heat with this sweet and icy dessert!
