Ancient grains rice is a grain that has been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years. There are a few ways to make this ancient grain into wonderful dishes, so check them out here.

ancient grains rice

What is ancient grain rice?

“Ancient grains” is a term used to describe certain types of grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years and have remained largely unchanged. Some examples of ancient rice varieties include:

  1. Black rice (also known as forbidden rice): This rice has a deep black color and a nutty flavor. It was originally cultivated in China and was reserved for emperors.
  2. Red rice: This rice has a reddish-brown color and a slightly nutty flavor. It is grown in many parts of the world, including Bhutan, India, and Thailand.
  3. Wild rice: Although technically not a type of rice, wild rice is a type of grass that is often used as a grain. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.
  4. Basmati rice: This fragrant rice is often associated with Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It has a nutty flavor and a long, slender grain.
  5. Jasmine rice: This rice is also fragrant and often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, sticky texture.

These ancient rice varieties are often prized for their unique flavors, textures, and nutritional properties. They are also considered to be more sustainable and resilient than modern rice varieties, as they have adapted to their local environments over thousands of years. Check this out to see if ancient grains are healthy.

forbidden rice growing in the field

Ancient grains rice bread

Rice bread is a type of bread made primarily with rice flour instead of wheat flour. It is a great alternative for people who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. You can grind ancient rices in your wheat grinder or you can buy rice flour made of ancient rice such as black rice. Rice bread made with ancient grains would typically be a bread that combines rice flour with one or more of these ancient grains to create a more nutrient-dense and flavorful bread. Bread made with just rice can be fairly dry in texture.

The recipe for such bread may vary, but it would generally involve mixing the rice flour and ancient grains with water, yeast, and other ingredients to create a dough, which is then allowed to rise before baking.

Some variations may include adding other ingredients such as seeds or nuts to the dough, or using different types of flour to create a unique texture or flavor. Rice bread made with ancient grains can be a good option for those who are looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat bread, or who are interested in incorporating more nutrient-dense whole grains into their diet. Check out this recipe for Black rice bread combined with buckwheat.

Ancient grains rice mix

Ancient grains have been around for years and have nourished populations for generations. They can be cooked on their own or added to soups or combined with other foods. Ancient grains are unrefined so they have lots of nutrients and fiber that we need for health. They are also gluten-free. You can mix different grains together with ancient rice, but you will have to pay attention to how long each take to cook and how much liquid they need. If they have the same cooking time, you can cook them at the same time.

Mixing other ancient grains with ancient rice gives texture and flavor variety that is wonderful. So give it a try. I like to cook one right after the other if I want to make a mix, so I make sure each one cooked the right amount of time.

a bowl of ancient rice

How do you cook ancient grains?

You can cook ancient grains in the instant pot. It’s easier and faster than other methods and it tastes great too. You can also use a rice cooker. Check the instructions on the package of grains and make sure to set the rice cooker or instant pot accordingly. You can also use the stove top.

For more ideas about ancient grains, check these out:

And if you are trying to eat fewer grains in your diet but you LOVE rice, check out this Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Risotto. It might help your cravings.