Kuthari rice is different from normal white rice, and it has a reputation. Some people absolutely love the flavour and texture, while others avoid eating because of a bad experience. Kuthari rice is known for being rich in fibre and nutrients, unlike regular white rice. In white rice, the bran layer remains intact.

The bran layer plays an important role as it provides the nutritional benefits. Along with the benefits, it is much more challenging to cook. You must use water to wash it properly at least 5 to 6 times before making it. Cook it for too long, and you may end up with a mushy texture instead.

Cooking kuthari rice is not that tough or challenging. Once you understand the method of cooking with the perfect water ratio, the soaking time. You are going to achieve soft and fluffy grain with good texture every time. In this guide, we’ll tell you the different methods step by step so that you can cook and enjoy Kerala's favourite dishes along with your friends and family.

What Exactly Is Kuthari Rice?

Kuthari rice is considered Kerala’s traditional unpolished red rice, also known as matta rice, rosematta rice, or palakkadan matta rice. Have you ever thought where this rice comes from?
The reddish-brown colour comes from a parboiling process before milling. This process takes place because it is unpolished and keeps away all of its natural fibre and nutrients from the rice.
Kuthari rice is a traditional cuisine known for its nutrients and taste, not like white polished rice. This means the rice carries more starch on its surface, and starch is the main reason behind washing matters much before cooking. In Kerala, you'll get kuthari rice in every household, which is often paired with fish curry or sadya meals.

Three Ways to Cook Kuthari Rice

All three methods give good results. The pressure cooker is the most popular at home.

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Before You Start: Washing the Rice

This is the compulsory step that one must follow. Don't skip it.

1. Take the rice in a large pot or bowl, up to you.
   
2. Gently rub the grains under the water using your hands.
   
3. Completely drain the cloudy water.
   
4. Repeat this process at least 4 to 5 times.
   
5. Stop once the water runs mostly clear.

Method 1: Pressure Cooker

This method is considered the fastest and most reliable method for regular cooking

What You Need

• 1 cup kuthari rice
  
• Plenty of water for boiling
  
• A pressure cooker
  
• A colander for draining

Steps to Follow

1. Wash the rice thoroughly until the rinse water becomes clear.
   
2. Transfer the cleansed rice into a pressure cooker.
   
3. Fill it with a lot of water. You need not exactly measure the amount.
   
4. Secure the cooker lid and keep the cooker on medium flame till 4 whistles.
   
5. Switch off the fire and allow the pressure to come down on its own.
   
6. If it is safe then open and assess the doneness
   
7. To get rid of excess water, place the rice in a colander and drain it.
   
8. Do a quick rinsing under cold water. It is one of the ways you use to keep rice soft and fluffy.
   
9. Allow the rice to remain in the colander for 15 minutes to dry thoroughly.

Method 2: Draining Method (Stovetop)

This method is a bit longer, but it gives you soft and wonderful rice.

What You Need

• 1 cup kuthari rice
  
• A large pot with plenty of water
  
• Salt, optional
  
• A colander
  

Steps to Follow

1. Wash the rice properly as explained earlier until the water runs clear.
   
2. Now, soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
   
3. Bring a large pot of water to a full boil.
   
4. If you want, you can add a pinch of salt to it.
   
5. Add the soaked, drained rice into the boiling water. 
   
6. Cook gently on medium flame.
   
7. Stir occasionally so the rice does not stick to the bottom. 
   
8. Cook rice for 15-20 minutes and check the texture thoroughly.
   
9. After cooking, press a grain between your fingers. Make sure it feels soft, not hard at all.
   
10. Using a colander, drain the rice once it is cooked.
    
11. If you want extra gains, rinse it properly with cold water.

 This method gives an excellent result.

ALSO SEE- Red Rice vs White Rice: Why Red Rice Is a Better Choice?

Method 3: Instant Pot

This method is very simple and gives you excellent results.

What You Need

• 1 cup kuthari rice
  
• 8 cups water (for every 1 cup of rice)
  
• Salt, as per your taste.
  
• An Instant Pot with a pressure cook function

Steps to Follow

1. Wash the rice properly 5 to 6 times until the water turns clear.
   
2. Soak all the washed rice in water for 30 minutes. 
   
3. Now, add the soaked rice to the pot.
   
4. Pour in eight cups of water for every cup of rice used. 
   
5. Add a pinch of salt according to your taste.
   
6. Close the lid, set the pressure cooker in cook mode and wait for 8 to 10 minutes.
   
7. Once the wait is over, let the pressure release naturally.
   
8. Using a colander, drain the rice once it is cooked.
   
9. Let it cool slightly before serving for better results.

Don't keep on checking again and again. Have patience and wait for some time, and let it cook peacefully.

Tips for Perfect Kuthari Rice Every Time

• Wash the rice 5 to 6 times until the rice turns clear. Don't skip this stage, otherwise it can affect the texture significantly.
  
• Soaking is optional, but it shortens cooking time noticeably. 
  
• Do not measure water too precisely for the pressure cooker method
  
• Draining after cooking removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
  
• Rinsing with cold water after draining keeps the grains light and separate. 
  
• Store leftover rice in the fridge and use it within two days for the best taste. 

Final Thoughts

Kuthri rice is not that difficult to make once you understand its rhythm. First, wash it properly, then select a perfect method that suits your kitchen. Be patient with timing while cooking. It's completely up to you whether you choose a pressure cooker, the stovetop, or an Instant Pot; the results are going to be wonderful. Kuthari rice will reward with a lot of nutrition and flavour with a different taste than simple plain rice.