ORGANIC ORIGINS Pure Deshi Red Rice, Sakhi SHG, Natural, Chemical Free, 1000gm

Red rice (lal tandul) in a 1 kg pack, from Sakhi Self Help Group in Kolhapur district, sold under the ORGANIC ORIGINS brand name.

What it is

Red rice gets its colour from the reddish bran layer on the grain. It is traditionally grown and eaten in parts of the Konkan and the Sahyadri foothills. Expect a firmer, nuttier, more chewy grain than white rice.

How to cook it

Rinse well and soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Red rice needs more water and more time than white rice — start with about 1 cup of rice to 2½–3 cups of water and cook until tender, adjusting to your liking. In a pressure cooker, allow a couple of extra whistles compared with white rice. It goes well with varan, amti, pithla, usal and fish curry.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.