Il Cucinologo
EN

Venus Rice with Curry

17/11/2023

I can show you how to prepare a delicious Venus Rice with curry. This type of rice, also known as black rice, has Asian origins but is also grown in Italy, and is famous for its nutty aroma and nutritional properties.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of Venus Rice
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder
  • Vegetable broth as needed
  • Salt as needed
  • Pepper as needed
  • (Optional) Vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or peppers
  • (Optional) Proteins of your choice, such as chicken or shrimp

Preparation

  1. Start by rinsing the Venus Rice under cold water to remove the surface starch.
  2. Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Add the Venus Rice and toast for a few minutes, until the grains become shiny.
  4. Sprinkle the rice with curry powder, stirring well to distribute the spices evenly.
  5. Pour in the hot vegetable broth a little at a time, as if you were preparing a risotto, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more.
  6. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes or until the rice is soft but al dente.
  7. Salt and pepper to your taste during cooking.
  8. (Optional) If you wish to add vegetables or proteins, cook them separately and mix them with the rice before serving.

Serve the Venus Rice with curry hot, accompanying it, if desired, with additional sautéed vegetables or a more liquid curry sauce.

Trivia

Venus Rice owes its name to the goddess of love and beauty thanks to its elegance and intense black color. In China it is traditionally served on special occasions, while in Italy it has become popular for its organoleptic qualities and for being an excellent base for creative and healthy dishes.

Remember, whenever we talk about curry, we are not referring to a single spice, but to a blend of spices that can vary enormously depending on cultural and personal tradition. If you want to give the recipe a more Italian touch, you could for example add some chili pepper or chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!