Rice makes an essential kitchen staple for people in Saudi Arabia. The Gulf country has many appetizing dishes in which rice is a key ingredient. From its national dish Kabsa to Hassawi to Al-Sayadiah, these popular dishes show how rice plays a critical role in enhancing their taste. If you’re someone who lives in Saudi Arabia, this blog includes some helpful tips to choose the right rice and enjoy a balanced diet. So keep scrolling.

Different rice types

Rice is one grain that comes in multiple varieties, giving consumers a lot of choices to make while preparing dishes. First, there is a broader category of rice based on the seed length. These are short-grain, medium-grain, and long-grain rice.

Short-grain rice becomes sticky and soft when cooked. It is mainly cooked for paella and risotto in Saudi Arabia. This rice is also known as Arborio rice, Bomba rice, Glutinous (sticky) rice, and Sushi rice.

Medium grain rice comes in the Black and Matta rice varieties. It is twice as long as short-grain rice. This rice is the right option for stews, curries, and puddings requiring lots of water.

Long-grain rice is more comprehensive and three to four times longer than the short variety before and after cooking. Since it is less starchy, its texture is less dry and fluffier. As the grains still appear separated after cooking, this is the right type of rice for pilaf and fried rice dishes. Basmati and Jasmine are the popular long-grain rice.

Here are the most popular rice types in the Saudia market to choose from:

Arborio rice

Arborio rice is an Italian short-grain variety and appears milky white when cooked. It is a popular variety for risotto and fried rice balls as it becomes chewy and creamy. The variety is also a popular choice for puddings.

Basmati rice

Basmati rice, originating from India, is cooked using the oiled method and soaked for half an hour before cooking for the best results. It is a long-grain aromatic variety mainly used in dishes like biryani and pilaf. Jashn basmati rice is one of the popular rice varieties in Saudi Arabia.

Black rice

Black rice is a medium-grain variety and is known for its raw appearance. It is a good source of iron, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Its nuttier flavor and soft texture make it a popular choice for puddings and porridges. But it is an expensive rice and therefore often blended with brown rice.

Bomba rice

Bomba rice is a Spanish variety mostly used to cook traditional dishes such as paella. This short-grain rice is known for absorbing more liquid than any other rice. Still, it does not appear sticky.

Glutinous rice

Glutinous rice is a short-grain variety known for its glue-like texture after it is cooked. This sticky rice is ideal for cooking breakfast and sweet dishes like puddings. It is advisable to soak the rice for a long time before cooking. But it should be steamed and not boiled.

Jasmine rice

Jasmine rice is known for its sweet, fragrant aroma. Originating from Cambodia and Thailand, this rice variety has a slightly sticky texture after cooking. It is often served with curries.

Matta rice

Matta rice appears reddish and is known for its earthy flavouring. This medium grain variety takes longer cooking time as it needs extra water during the cooking process. It has to be cooked twice to achieve its fluffy texture. This rice suitable for serving along with lamb, beef, stews, and curries.

Nutritional value of rice

Nutritional value varies for different types of rice. A typical white rice has a high amount of easily digestible carbohydrates. The dietary fiber is in smaller amounts. However, not every variety of rice contains the same amount of nutrients. There is also a lot of difference in the glycemic index of rice, which is about rice consumption increasing blood glucose.

The glycemic index is very low, at around 50 for white rice. Brown, red, and black rice have more nutritional value since these are not completely cleared. These varieties have high amounts of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins. The dietary fiber content is also much higher than that of white rice.

Rice - A slimming diet

Those who want to lose weight and maintain a slim body can include rice in their diet chart. But choose the rice varieties that are high in fiber content. A high fiber content is responsible for a lower glycemic index. Therefore, prefer red, brown, and black rice as a slimming diet.

As blood glucose levels increase only slowly due to the high fiber content in rice, this keeps the stomach full and satisfied. There are no sudden hunger pangs after a meal. So, you are unlikely to take sweets and snacks frequently. However, cook the rice sparingly or it will result in faster absorption of sugar from rice in the blood.

Rice and vegetables - A nutrition-filled combo

If you are a regular rice eater, include many vegetables and legumes in your daily food intake. A combination of rice and vegetables is a rich source of protein from legumes, etc. Moreover, rice and vegetables are also sources of healthy fats.

You can prepare many rice and vegetable-based dishes such as stuffed cabbage, casseroles, risotto, and vegetable cutlets. Think of stuffing peppers or zucchini with rice.

A light and easy diet

Those following a light diet are advised to consume limited dietary fiber. That is why rice is considered a suitable diet for weight loss. Since rice is easily digestible, it is also recommended for people with diarrhea, pancreas and gallbladder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

You can also combine rice and apples as your easily digestible diet. This diet is a good source of energy.

So, these are the tips for choosing the right rice types in Saudia Arabia. You can visit Jashn Foods website for more tips and helpful ideas.

Wrapping Up

Rice is a favourite food for millions of people. People in Saudi Arabia prepare several rice-based dishes such as Kabsa, Mandi, Sayadiah, and Ruz al Bukhari. However, choosing the right type of rice makes the dish taste more appetising and delicious.