Thursday, May 12, 2011

forbidden rice salad

Forbidden rice retains its purple-black color, even when cooked and has a chewy, slightly nutty flavor.
When you think of "forbidden" foods, empty-calorie noshes like cookies, ice cream and white bread probably come to mind. So when I first saw forbidden rice for sale in the market, I laughed out loud at the name. A whole grain – forbidden? As the story goes, the Kangxi Emperor who reigned during China's Qing Dynasty found this purple-hued, heirloom rice so special he forbade anyone other than royalty from consuming it. Needless to say, I was intrigued and bought a bag. The dark color comes from the rice's hefty anthocyanin content. 

First organic CSA share of the season: Romaine and butter lettuce, kale, sweet potatoes, scallions, chives and oregano.

Inspired by the first CSA share of the season, I thought the contrast of the purple-black rice clashing against the orange sweet potatoes and celadon scallions would be pretty. By it's not all about the color. The salad itself marries slightly nutty, chewy rice with the sweetness of the dressing and sweet potatoes, heightened by a hint of tang from the scallions and mint. 


Forbidden Rice Salad: high nutrition, high contrast


Forbidden Rice Salad
  • 1 cup Forbidden Rice, dry
  • 1 3/4 vegetable broth
  • 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 T ume plum vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 2 T agave nectar
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked, peeled and diced
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup mint or cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Serves 4

Bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for about 35 minutes or until rice is chewy.

Meanwhile, whisk together oil, vinegar, and agave nectar. Toss with cooked rice and remaining ingredients. Adjust seasonings. Serve at room temperature.







6 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

I have yet to try forbidden rice... so intriguing!

Kari said...

It's kind of gorgeous isn't it? I love foods with legends behind them. I think they sell this in a bulk bin at my natural foods market - I might need to get some.

Anonymous said...

I love forbidden rice! I need to get some more from the Asian market asap.

mamapasta said...

hot or cold, I love this rice ( and the eyes all around the table when you bring this for the first time!)
your salad is so colourful and tasteful !

Janna Renee said...

i heard forbidden rice is so awesome!!

Anonymous said...

Ohh! I JUST bought forbidden rice in the bulk section of my local store and I'm excited to make something with it. This sounds ideal. Thanks!