Sweet rice, also known as glutinous rice or sticky rice, is used extensively in both sweet and savory dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian cuisines.
Here's a breakdown of its uses:
-
Desserts: Sweet rice is a key ingredient in numerous desserts. A popular example is coconut sticky rice with mango, where the rice is cooked with coconut milk and served with fresh mango slices. Other sweet applications include sweet rice dumplings, sweet rice cakes, and various puddings.
-
Savory Dishes: It's also used in savory applications. A notable example is its use in making toasted rice powder, which is a crucial component of dipping sauces like jaew in Thai and Lao cuisine. This toasted rice powder adds a nutty flavor and thickening texture to the sauce.
-
Other Uses: Sweet rice is also used in the production of rice wines and some types of noodles. The starch in the rice provides the necessary sugars for fermentation in winemaking.
Essentially, sweet rice is a versatile ingredient that contributes a unique texture and subtly sweet flavor to a wide range of culinary creations. Its sticky consistency makes it ideal for dishes where binding and a chewy texture are desired.
