This is a known fact that brown rice is a healthy alternative to white rice, but we seldom find it as a part of our diets. Its intact bran and germ is filled with rich nutrients and antioxidants, aiding in heart functions and better digestion. It also balances cholesterol levels and improves the body’s overall immune system. But despite of these benefits brown rice remains as the most underrated food ingredients of all time.
If you want to include brown rice in your regular meals, here are a few meaty and delicious recipe combinations you can experiment with.
Chicken and brown rice
Recipes involving the combination of brown rice and chicken are high in fibers and proteins. You should try a one pot or fried rice recipe using chicken thighs or chicken breasts. All you need is some veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, corn, green peas, etc. to incorporate in your brown rice and chicken. You can add chilly to spice it up or some honey to give it that subtle mellow essence. Combine some chicken broth for that extra meaty flavor and don’t forget the freshly chopped herbs to garnish.
Beef and brown rice
You can cook a simple beef and brown rice bowl with vegetables or prepare a fancy skillet recipe which can be experimented with fresh tangy flavors or spicy ones with generous amount of cheese. An Asian stir-fry version is also an amazing solution if you have any leftover ingredients from a big dinner party.
Tilapia and brown rice
Tilapia works extremely well with brown rice and can be cooked in various ways. You can experiment with different kinds of seasonings, like Italian or Cajun or just a regular simple one. You can cook the rice in chicken broth and wine, and include a single veggie like broccoli. Serve the fillet and the brown rice along with some lemon juice to squeeze on it.
Prawns and brown rice
Prawns can be an amazing element for a fried brown rice. You can season this fish in multiple ways, whether you want it to be garlicky or spicy or just plain lemony, it can twist the mood of your palate in an instant. You can elevate the flavors of the rice by adding exotic Asian sauces as well.
Pork and brown rice
Chops or tenderloins make an amazing combination with the brown rice. You can serve the rice along with the seasoned chops or you can dice the tenderloins to cook an amazing fried brown rice. There can be crunchy elements of the colorful vegetables. Spicing it up or keeping it sweet-savory depends on what kind of elements and flavors find a balancing ground.
We are a coffee-drinking nation and every form of the beverage – decaf, regular, expresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and ristretto is consumed everyday by millions of us. It’s the first thing we need in the morning and the last (for some) after dessert. Black, with cream, with sugar, no sugar, flavored, each of us has a preference with regard to strength. Nespresso’s taken heed of this and given us a gift in a pod with the Nespresso capsules. Available in the regular Arabica and Robusta capsules, they have some amazing seasonal flavors as well.
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed in a capsule that holds 5-7 gms of coffee – enough for one serving of coffee. They offer five ranges in Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40 ml), Lungo (110 ml), Decaffeinated (40 ml and 110 ml) or Flavored (40 ml).
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Ristretto range are:
Ristretto Origin – Made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has toasted flavors with cocoa notes and woody undertones.
Ristretto Origin India – A blend of the finest Arabicas with a smidgen of Robusta from Southern India, this full-bodied coffee has hints of spices.
Ristretto Intenso – A strong blend of South and Central American Robustas and Arabicas, the Ristretto Intenso is a full-bodied coffee with a creamy texture and peppery notes.
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Espresso range are:
Espresso Origin Brazil: A pure Arabica coffee, it has a mild sweet flavor.
Espresso Leggero: A blend of South American Arabicas and Robusta, it has smooth notes of cocoa and cereal.
Espresso Forte: Exclusively made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has an intensely roasted balance of espresso and fruity notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Lungo range are:
Lungo Leggero: Lightly roasted East African, South and Central American Arabicas, with mild notes of jasmine is what makes up this delicious brew.
Lungo Forte: A complex mix of South and Central American Arabicas, this coffee has heavy roasted notes with a slight hint of fruit.
Lungo Origin Guatemala: A mix of Arabica and washed Gourmet Robusta coffee, Lungo Origin Guatemala is smooth and well balanced with dry and malty cereal notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules in the Decaffeinated range are:
Espresso Decaffeinato: Dark roasted South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta enhances the cocoa flavors and roasted cereal undertones of this decaffeinated espresso.
Lungo Decaffeinato: This is a slightly more complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas. It includes toasted cereal and sweet notes with subtle and floral hints of East African Arabicas.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Flavored range are:
Espresso Vanilla: This silky-flavored coffee is the result of a base of Espresso Forte, which is a complex and heavily-roasted blend of South and Central American Arabicas and a slightly caramelized aroma of vanilla. Espresso Caramel: On a base of Espresso Forte, this complex and intensely roasted blend made from South and Central American Arabicas has the sweetness of caramel.
Here are a few easy and healthy recipe ideas that are both quick to make and light to digest on hot summer days. With very few ingredients, the preparation of these recipes is a breeze. So go on, enjoy these easy, healthy recipes that are brimming with nutrition and taste heavenly too!
Greek Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
This is popular among easy and healthy recipes. Slice cucumber into thin flat strips using a vegetable peeler and arrange them in slices of two on a clean tray. Smear the hummus on top of each slice, then toss some feta cheese, black olives and cut tomatoes on each of the cucumber strips. Squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some finely chopped dill and cilantro. Finally, roll the strips, serve the Greek cucumber rolls and see them being gobbled up by the young and old alike!
Flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the label. In a thick bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic and shallots. After about a minute or so, add the other vegetables along with salt and toss them gently for a few minutes. The vegetables must cook and be crunchy at the same time. When they are done, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some freshly ground black pepper to it and mix well. Serve this flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables for lunch or dinner as a filling, yet light meal.
Sunshine juice
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Direction
Squeeze juice from the oranges and blend the strawberries in a juicer. Then in a pitcher, take the orange juice, strawberry juice, and chilled water together and mix well. Refresh yourself with this yummy sunshine juice with ice cubes on a hot day.