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Forbid Me Not



This rice was cultivated exclusively for emperors of China, and the common men were forbidden to eat it. When I read this on the packet of forbidden rice in New York's Whole Foods, it was incentive enough for me to lug it all the way back to India. The other incentive was it's color - black rice, how could I not try it.

Further research told me that while the rice was black raw, it will become a deep purple once cooked. This presented a problem. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to pair with purple rice. Finally, I decided to cook it like a pulao - sauteed some onions, added rice, salt, black pepper and twice the quantity of water then let the rice simmer for 45 minutes or so till it was done.

The flavor was akin to a very fine basmati, but had more bite to it. And I had it with the only white colored pairing I could think of : spiced yogurt.

I know I am a day late, but this rice - from black to purple - makes a perfect entry for Sunshinemom's Food in Color.
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Comments

Sunshinemom said…
I am adding it in the end! I too could not resist it:) Too good, and I have never heard of this! I like the way you keep introducing new stuff:)
December 1, 2008 at 4:27 PM
CurryLeaf said…
Lovely Simran.I have heard about it,and seen it being cooked in FoodNetwork here,but never ever purchased it.
PS: I am planning to hoard it back there
December 1, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Marie said…
Thanks Simran for adding me to your list of Mumbai bloggers. You are on my Reading list too. I tried to subscribe by clicking on Posts (Atom) but couldnt get it done. Anyway, I will surely visit your site regularly. Take care.
December 2, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Aparna Balasubramanian said…
This is very interesting. White, pink, red but black?
I'm seeing it for the first time.
December 2, 2008 at 12:37 PM
notyet100 said…
somethin new for me,..thnks for sharin,..:-)
December 2, 2008 at 5:41 PM
notyet100 said…
glad to knw delhi is ur favourite city mine too ,..specially for varities of food available here....:-) after all i am foodie,...
December 2, 2008 at 11:59 PM
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