How to Use Your Rice Cooker for More Than Just Rice!

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!

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