• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

vegetarian zen home

Vegetarian | Vegan | Veg-Curious | Plant-Based | Recipes and Resources MINUS the Judgement

  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Support
  • Buddha Bowl Book
  • Store
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Support
  • Buddha Bowl Book
  • Store
  • Search

How to Use Your Rice Cooker for More Than Rice! (VZ 221)

Yeah  OK, so rice is great! We love the taste, it’s nutritious and can be used in soooo many ways! BUT, did you know that your rice COOKER is also awesome and can be used to make foods other than rice?

 

 

Other Types of Grains You Can Make In Your Rice Cooker

Some other grains you can make in your rice cooker that can add some variety to your meals are:

  • Quinoa

 

  • Grits

 

  • Polenta

 

  • Oatmeal and other hot breakfast cereals. For this one, you’ll want to soak the oatmeal overnight in the rice cooker and then turn it on in the morning about a half hour before you want to eat your hot breakfast.  See recipe below.

 

For cooking times for these grains plus many more, check out this article from Oldways Whole Grain Council.

 

Eggs and Egg Dishes

 

Have a hankering for some eggs? You can throw several eggs into your rice cooker for steamed (not boiled eggs). This method takes about the same amount of time to cook your eggs as it does on the stove but the timer will help ensure they are cooked just right!

Steamed eggs are also easier to peel than hard-boiled eggs.

 

  • Frittata. Just pre-cook some veggies and add them into the rice cooker with some whisked eggs.  Use the regular rice setting and wait for your yummy frittata!

 

  • Breakfast Burrito. Add some tomatoes and peppers into the cooker with your rice. When the rice is done, add beaten eggs and recover the cooker. The eggs should cook in about 10 minutes in the “keep warm” setting.

 

Steamed Veggies

Did you know that some rice cookers come with a steaming tray that sits above the rice? Why not save some time and steam both your rice and veggies together. When the timer goes off, dinner is ready!

 

Beans and Lentils

You”ll still need to soak your beans but once you place your soaked beans in the cooker, you won’t have to worry about watching an open pot on the stove!

 

Soups, Stews, and Chilies…Oh My!

This one can be a bit tricky and may take a bit of experimentation before you get it just the way you like it.

Add your desired ingredients to include the liquid such as a good vegetable stock.

Set the timer for a low time to start with to ensure you don’t overcook it and check it frequently until the ingredients reach the desired tenderness.

 

Desserts

Yes, EVEN desserts can be made in your rice cooker!

  • Poached fruit. For this yummy and healthy dessert, steam the fruit in a hot liquid such as fruit juice or wine.  Add some spices to liven up the flavor. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg should do the trick!

 

  • Tapioca pudding.  Use the porridge cycle on your rice cooker to make tapioca pudding.  Check Coconut Tapioca Pudding recipe from Food.com.

 

Rice Cookers…Let’s Discuss!

Want to hear us talk about all of these in a bit more depth? Check out our podcast on this topic here!

http://media.blubrry.com/vegetarian_zen/p/traffic.libsyn.com/vegetarianzen/221_Vegetarian_Zen_221___Other_Uses.mp3

 

Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through to the product using the link we have provided. We never recommend or provide affiliate links to products or services we do not use ourselves, and our ultimate goal is to provide helpful products and advice to you, our readers and listeners.

 

Support Vegetarian Zen on Patreon https://www.vegetarianzen.com Sign up for the Vegetarian Zen newsletter for shop discount https://www.vegetarianzen.com The Shop at Vegetarian Zen - button https://www.vegetarianzen.com

 

Here’s what we mention in this episode:

Zojirushi Rice Cookers

 

Looking for a great rice recipe? Check this out!

  • Vegetarian Red Beans and Rice

 

Quotes of the Week

A simple act of kindness the size of a rice grain can weigh as heavy as a mountain.

— Feroz Bham

 

Thanks for listening!

Peace and Veggies,
Vickie and Larissa

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

  • vegetarian zen podcast episode 250 - Rice (types, health benefits, and more)
    Rice! (Types, Health Benefits, & More) (VZ 250)

    This episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast is all about rice. We discuss some of…

  • episode 146
    Using a Pressure Cooker to Create Healthy Vegetarian Food (VZ 146)

    In this episode of the Vegetarian Zen podcast we discuss our latest and greatest acquisition…

  • vegetarian zen podcast 182
    Junk Food Indulgences (VZ 182)

    Junk Food's Going to Happen...But You Can Be Smarter About It In this episode of…

Category: The Vegetarian Zen Podcast, Vegetarian and Vegan FoodTag: Rice cooker

Previous Post: «Vegetarian Zen Podcast Ep. 220 Exercise Isn’t an All-or-Nothing Proposition (VZ 220)
Next Post: Watch Out for Food Fraud! (VZ 222) Vegetarian Zen Podcast Ep. 222»

Site Footer

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 Vegetarian Zen · All Rights Reserved · Vegetarian Zen