Brown Rice Cakes

Healthy Brown Rice Cakes Recipe for Health-Conscious Eaters

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Brown rice cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. These crispy cakes are made with a combination of cooked brown rice, colorful peppers, savory country ham, and flavorful seasonings. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

History

Brown rice cakes have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain that has been a staple food in many Asian countries for thousands of years. The idea of shaping cooked rice into cakes and frying them to create a crispy exterior likely originated as a way to use up leftover rice and create a new and tasty dish.

Ingredients

3 cups hot cooked brown rice
1 medium-sized green pepper, seeded and minced
1 medium-sized red pepper, seeded and minced
0.5 cup minced red onion
0.25 cup minced cured country ham
1 egg
1 clove minced garlic
0.33 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine cooked rice, green and red peppers, onion, ham, egg, and garlic.
Add flour, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined. If needed, add more flour to bind the ingredients.
Shape the mixture into 2-inch patties.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Pan-fry the patties in the hot oil until they become crisp and lightly browned.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peas to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Substitute the country ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add grated cheese to the mixture for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use hot cooked brown rice for this recipe, as it will help bind the ingredients together.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or seasonings.

- If the mixture is too wet, add more flour to help bind the ingredients.

- Be sure to pan-fry the rice cakes in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Brown rice cakes can be served as a side dish with a salad or soup, or enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack. They can also be topped with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pan-frying the rice cakes in hot oil helps to create a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white rice or another type of grain in place of brown rice.

- Substitute the country ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

- Use gluten-free flour if you have a gluten intolerance.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for the rice cakes ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious meal on hand.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the brown rice cakes on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Brown rice cakes pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads. They also go well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover brown rice cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cakes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of brown rice cakes contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of brown rice cakes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of brown rice cakes contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of brown rice cakes contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat flour.

Summary

Brown rice cakes are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a great option for a satisfying and flavorful meal or snack.

Summary

Brown rice cakes are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior, these rice cakes are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious flavors of brown rice in a new and exciting way.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Brown Rice Cakes. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills, had invited me to spend the summer with her and learn the art of cooking.

I had always been fascinated by the way my grandmother could transform simple ingredients into delicious meals that brought our family together. I would watch her in awe as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned with a flair that seemed to come naturally to her.

One hot summer day, as we sat together in her cozy kitchen, my grandmother pulled out an old recipe book that she had inherited from her own mother. The pages were yellowed with age and stained with the remnants of countless meals. As she flipped through the book, her eyes lit up when she came across a recipe for Brown Rice Cakes.

"These were a favorite of your great-grandfather's," she said with a smile. "I learned how to make them when I was just a young girl, much like you are now."

I watched intently as my grandmother gathered the ingredients for the Brown Rice Cakes. Brown rice, eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon were all that was needed to create this simple yet flavorful dish. She explained each step to me, showing me how to cook the rice until it was tender and then combine it with the other ingredients to form a thick batter.

As the aroma of the Brown Rice Cakes baking in the oven filled the kitchen, my grandmother shared the story of how she had learned to make them. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family, each one adding their own twist to make it their own.

"My mother used to make these for us when we were children," she said wistfully. "It was a special treat that we would enjoy on lazy Sunday mornings, gathered around the table with our loved ones."

I could see the memories dancing in my grandmother's eyes as she spoke, and I felt a deep sense of connection to the women who had come before me. I knew that this recipe was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a link to my family's past, a way to honor those who had come before me and pass on their legacy to future generations.

When the Brown Rice Cakes were finally ready, my grandmother carefully removed them from the oven and placed them on a plate in the center of the table. The golden brown cakes glistened with a hint of sweetness, beckoning us to take a bite.

I eagerly reached for a warm Brown Rice Cake and took a hesitant bite. The texture was light and fluffy, with a subtle nuttiness from the brown rice and a hint of sweetness from the sugar and cinnamon. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I savored each bite as if it were a precious treasure.

As we sat together, enjoying our Brown Rice Cakes and sharing stories from our past, I realized that this recipe was more than just a dish - it was a symbol of love, tradition, and the bonds that connect us to our family and our heritage.

From that day on, the recipe for Brown Rice Cakes became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for my own children, passing on the tradition that my grandmother had taught me so many years ago. And as I watched my own grandchildren gather around the table, enjoying the same Brown Rice Cakes that had been a part of our family for generations, I knew that I was carrying on a legacy that would endure for years to come.