Many people living with diabetes often ponder how they can safely include rice in their diet without causing significant fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. With the advent of healthier rice varieties, such as the RNR variant from Vajrateja, it’s now possible to enjoy this staple in a way that’s more conducive to managing diabetes. In this blog, we will explore six delectable and diabetic-friendly recipes that utilise Vajrateja’s RNR rice, ensuring that you can indulge in a beloved carbohydrate without guilt.
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s address a crucial component of diabetic nutrition – the glycemic index (GI). The GI is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100, based on how much they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are absorbed quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar, while low GI foods have a slower absorption rate, preventing those spikes.
Vajrateja’s RNR rice is a variety with a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a more suitable choice for those with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain a stable blood sugar level. This variety allows you to enjoy rice dishes while ensuring your meal remains balanced and supportive of your health goals.
Now, let’s get to the fun part – the recipes. Here are six diabetic-friendly rice recipes featuring Vajrateja’s RNR rice that are both nutritious and flavourful:
1. Stir-Fried RNR Veggie Rice
A stir-fry is a quick and healthy way to whip up a rice dish packed with vegetables and flavours.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice, cooked and cooled
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped
– 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
– 1/2 cup snap peas
– 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Spring onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large wok or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
4. Add the cooked RNR rice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
6. Season with black pepper and garnish with spring onions.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your flavourful and healthy meal.
2. RNR Rice and Lentil Pilaf
Lentils and rice make a complete protein, and this pilaf is a hearty dish that’s both comforting and diabetic-friendly.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice
– 1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed
– 1 onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a deep saucepan, heat olive oil and add cumin seeds until they start to crackle.
2. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft and golden.
3. Mix in turmeric powder, stirring for a minute.
4. Add RNR rice and lentils to the pan, giving everything a good stir.
5. Pour in water or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until both rice and lentils are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and fluff with a fork before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm.
Freepik link: Free Photo | A plate of thai food with a lime wedge on the side
3. Mediterranean RNR Rice Salad
A refreshing and nourishing salad that’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice, cooked and cooled
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked RNR rice with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Crumble feta cheese over the salad if desired.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of oregano.
4. RNR Rice and Chickpea Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are an excellent vessel for a savoury and satisfying filling, providing ample nutrition in a tasty package.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice, cooked
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Olive oil for drizzling
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked RNR rice, chickpeas, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the inside of the peppers with olive oil and stuff them generously with the rice mixture.
4. Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
6. Serve hot as a main dish with a side salad or on their own.
5. Coconut RNR Rice Pudding
Enjoy a sweet treat that’s still mindful of your sugar intake with this coconut-infused rice pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice, cooked
– 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
– 1 cup lite coconut milk
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Sweetener of choice (such as stevia or monk fruit), to taste
– Toasted shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine cooked RNR rice, almond milk, coconut milk, and a cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
3. Add vanilla extract and sweetener to taste, continuing to simmer until the mixture thickens to your preference.
4. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
6. Garnish with toasted shredded coconut and serve warm or chilled.
6. RNR Rice with Mushroom and Spinach
A simple yet satisfying dish featuring earthy mushrooms and nutrient-rich spinach, combined with the goodness of RNR rice.
Freepik link: Premium Photo | Coriander, cilantro rice also called dhaniya chawal or pulao or kothamalli in india
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Vajrateja RNR rice, cooked
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups spinach, washed and chopped
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until they become translucent.
3. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
4. Add the cooked RNR rice and mix well to combine.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately as a substantial side dish or a light main course.
Incorporating Vajrateja’s RNR rice into your diet offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a beloved food without compromising on your health needs. The low glycemic index of RNR rice, coupled with careful recipe choices, allows individuals managing diabetes to enjoy a varied and satisfying diet. Whether you’re in the mood for something savoury or sweet, these six recipes offer something for every palate while keeping your blood sugar levels in mind. Enjoy these diabetic-friendly dishes guilt-free and bask in the rich flavours they bring to your table.