5 Kolam Rice Benefits: Nutritional Advantages of Eating It Regularly

Table of Contents

3. Different Names of Kolam Rice in India

4. Preparation of Vegetable Biryani Using Kolam Rice

Do you find it convincing that rice is good for your health? We are sure you will have your opinions on consuming rice on a regular basis. For all the rice lovers out there, it is safe to say that rice is not your enemy, if you are trying to stay in shape. Here are 5 Kolam rice benefits laid out for you to bust myths about rice hampering a fit lifestyle. Wish to know how? Read on to know how rice is beneficial to you and what makes it the most versatile option.

What is Kolam Rice?

Majorly rice is categorized by its characteristic features in size (long grain or short grain), texture (spongy, sticky, hard) and aroma (mild, strong, or no flavour). Kolam rice is one of the exclusive varieties that covers all consumption categories. This is a medium grained rice, not like the long-grained Basmati and known for its texture, aroma and nutrient value. They are widely cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Depending on the place of cultivation, the texture and size of the rice slightly differ and hence are named accordingly.

5 Benefits of Eating the Kolam Rice

Kolam rice benefits us by aiding our body in proper digestion as it has a low glycemic index or GI count and helps to maintain our overall health. It proves to be a choice of rice for people looking to control diabetes and maintain good health.
This rice contains many vital nutrients for the body including B vitamins (from B1 to B12), iron, and calcium, necessary for strong bones, maintaining a healthy immune system and rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre.
The fibre promotes easy digestion and helps maintain a healthy and fit body as it is easy to digest for people in all age groups and used widely for daily consumption in India.
This rice is naturally gluten-free and this Kolam rice benefits your diet and provides the benefits of improved health, weight loss and increased energy.
With no sodium content or cholesterol, this Kolam rice benefits you in preventing obesity. It has low calorific value which is suitable for fitness enthusiasts to maintain their healthy body weight ratio.

Different Names of Kolam Rice in India

Wada Kolam rice : Also known as Zini in the local language, is a traditional and delicate rice type from the Wada region in Maharashtra’s Palghar district.
Raw Kolam Rice or bullet rice : Thin, long grained rice, that are predominantly grown in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Used for preparing biryani, pulao, and regular plain rice.
Surti Kolam Rice: Medium sized grain grown in the Gujarat region. It has a milder flavour and smell than traditional Basmati Rice. The rice grains are tiny, spongy and easily digestible. It gives a mild floral fragrance when cooked.
Kolam Lachkari rice:This is a medium grain rice type distinct from the Basmati variety that is cultivated in the fertile lands of Telangana state. It is also grown in other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka.

Preparation of Vegetable Biryani Using Kolam Rice

Here is a little tip on using the Kolam rice to get the best outcome, making the best vegetable biryani with little effort. Here is how to make it-

1 kg Kolam rice
6 onions sliced
4 tomatoes chopped
2 tablespoon ginger garlic green chili paste
Handful coriander, mint and curry leaves each
1 bowl of freshly chopped vegetables of your choice
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
8-10 pepper corns
4-5 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 black cardamom
4 tablespoon Oil
1 tablespoon curd
4 green chilies slitted
1 cup curd
2 teaspoon red chili powder
2 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder as taste Salt

Rinse the Kolam rice two to three times and let it soak in the water for 15 to 20 minutes
Ensure to clean the vegetables thoroughly
Slice the onions and tomatoes into medium sized cubes
Keep 1 teaspoon of each spice used for biryani ready
Add 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan and heat it till it splutters and add the spices till the aroma is emitted
Cook the onion till golden brown and add the tomatoes till it becomes a thick pasty consistency
Add ginger-garlic paste along with chilies and curry leaves for the distinct flavour and sauté till the rawness goes away
Add biryani masala and curd to the mixture and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes
Add the vegetables and let it cook in the mixture for 3 minutes
Add the soaked rice and relevant proportion of water accordingly
Cook the entire mixture in the pressure pan for about 15 to 20 minutes in medium flame till the rice gets a soft, fluffy texture
Drizzle some chopped coriander leaves and top it with crisp golden fried onions to enhance the biryani with Kolam rice benefits for maximum flavour

Choosing The Right Rice Brand

With these wide varieties of rice types available in the market, it is always important to choose the perfect brand that caters to all your needs. What do you have to look for in a rice brand before buying from it?
The brand should supply the best quality, with minimum to zero broken grains with the rice being clean and free from stones and other debris.
Ensure the brand follows stringent quality control checks to maintain the standard.
Check if the brand mentions the origin from where rice is sourced. The origin plays a vital role in imparting texture and aroma that comes out as the quality of soil and water in those origins.

Conclusion

For obtaining maximum Kolam rice benefits, you can ensure to soak the rice for an hour before cooking, as it helps retain the nutrients. By opting for the best rice brand like Keshar Kali, you can make the most flavorful dishes like biryani and pulao among many.