(Thai Sticky Rice)
If you have never tried sticky rice, you are in for a unique treat. Thai sticky rice, sometimes called "sweet rice" or "glutinous rice," is opaque-white when raw, unlike most other rices, and when cooked has a wonderful scent and distinctive texture. Make sure to buy long-grain Thai sticky rice, not the Chinese-style short-grain or the kind grown in the Untied States, which lack the aroma and texture of the Thai variety. On the label look for the words pin kao or gao nep.
There are a few options for steaming sticky rice: If you live near a Thai, Lao, or Vietnamese market, chances are it sells the large, conical baskets used for cooking sticky rice as well as the lightweight pot the basket rests in as the rice steams. Otherwise, use a large sieve lined with cheesecloth or muslin and put it over a large kettle of water
In Thailand and Laos, cooked sticky rice is kept warm and moist during the meal by serving it in small covered baskets, which can also be found in some Southeast Asian markets.
This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Beef Salad , Charred Chili Salsa , Thai Grilled Chicken , Thai Eggplant Salad and Chicken Stir-Fry with Holy Basil .
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a large bowl (large enough to hold at least twice the volume of rice, about 6 cups) cover rice with cold water by 2 to 3 inches. Soak rice 8 to 24 hours. Alternatively, soak rice in warm water (about 110°F.) 2 hours. The longer soak allows more flavor to develop.
Step 2
Drain rice and transfer to a Southeast Asian rice-steamer basket or sieve. Set steamer basket or sieve over several inches of boiling water in a large pot or deep kettle. It is important that the rice not touch boiling water. Cover rice with a lid and steam, checking water level occasionally to make sure pot or kettle doesn't boil dry and adding more boiling water if necessary, 25 minutes, or until rice is shiny and tender.
Step 3
Transfer rice to a basket or bowl, breaking it up into smaller lumps, and immediately cover with a lid or clean kitchen towel. (Rice dries out if exposed to air as it cools, so keep covered until serving.)
