How to Cook Ofada Rice (Ofada Rice Recipe) easily and perfectly – Ofada Rice is one of the most popular Nigerian grain varieties. It is named after an African community in Ogun state and is closely related to Abakiliki rice.
While it is usually unpolished and unrefined, this short-grain brown or red rice is healthy!
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You will love how good it tastes and smells! Haven’t tried it before? Let’s try cooking it now!
How to Make Ofada Rice
Today, you will learn how Ofada Rice is cooked differently than other grains. Nevertheless, I can assure you that it’s easy to prepare this rice!
Health Benefits of Ofada Rice
Strengthens bones
Nurture your bones with ofada rice! It can help avoid bone problems and improve endurance.
Boosts immunity
Fight against diseases by adding this recipe to your diet. Feel and be healthier every day!
Improves digestion
This dish is rich in fiber, which helps with metabolism and digestion and allows your body to absorb nutrients better and faster.
Good for the heart
Eating this rice can reduce the risk of heart problems. It can also help you breathe and function better each day!
Helps with weight loss
Reach your weight goal by adding this rice to your meals. Moreover, be your fab and fit self with this recipe.
Ingredients
Ofada rice
Ofada rice indigenous rice in southwest Nigeria. Although unpolished, this rice is healthier than white rice! I love serving this brown rice with puddings, risotto, paella, porridge, and other delicacies.
It is unique because it has a natural umami taste and smell that will leave you wanting more. Furthermore, it is good for vegan and vegetarian diets. It also suits your gluten-free diet!
Sea salt
Sea salt is one of the simplest spices you can use to enrich the quality of the rice. It improves the natural taste of the dish, giving you a better dining experience.
With these two basic ingredients, you can cook ofada rice to feel like you’re on a Nigerian adventure. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with any African dish you love to cook!
Directions
Take one step closer to enjoying a genuine African meal by cooking Ofada rice!
- Spread the grains on a tray and remove the stones or chaff.
- Boil water in a pot.
- Rinse and drain the rice several times until the water is clear.
- Add the rinsed rice to a pot of boiling water.
- Parboil for 5 minutes.
- Season the rice with sea salt.
- Add hot water and mix it with the rice.
- Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the fire to low heat until the rice softens.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, check if the water is dry.
- Once content with the texture of the rice, remove it from heat and serve!
Give it a taste, and let me know what you think! It is different from all the other rice varieties, so this will be an interesting experience for you. Wait until you consume it with savory stews and sauces!
Tips
Buying ofada rice
- If you haven’t seen ofada rice in grocery stores before, then check the African food aisle for options you can try.
- Ensure that the packaging or container does not have holes or moisture inside.
Storing ofada rice
- Unopened rice packaging can be stored at room temperature for several months.
- Once opened, transfer the contents into an airtight container.
- Store them in a cool and dry area until ready for use.
Ofada Rice Variations
Aside from the classic ofada rice season with salt, you can also cook it and seasoned water or use other herbs and spices for a more fragrant and flavorful result.
It can also be cooked with oil to add moisture and flavor. The texture may also vary depending on whether you add or reduce water.
In fact, you can use ofada rice for other recipes like Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, and Coconut Fried Rice!
Recommended Tools
- Pot: Cook the rice in a pot over a stove.
- Bowl: Rinse the ofada rice in a bowl over running water.
- Tray: Remove stones or chaff by spreading the rice on a tray.
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How to Serve Ofada Rice
Just like ordinary rice, ofada rice can be served in almost any dish. But it is especially delicious if you enjoy it with stews, soups, and sauces. I suggest the following recipes with this rice:
- Ofada Stew
- Fried Pepper Stew – Ata Dindin
- Chicken Gizzard Stew
- Ayamese Stew
- Fish Stew
- Smoked Mackerel Fish Stew
- Ewa Agoyin Stew
- Fried Pepper Stew
For drinks, I suggest serving the following options:
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Rice can last up to several hours at room temperature. However, note that it is best consumed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ofada rice called in English?
It is called “unpolished rice” in English. It is natural brown rice that is healthier than white rice.
Is ofada rice healthier?
It is healthier than white rice because it is rich in fiber. It improves digestion, physical activity, bones, immunity, cholesterol levels, brain function, and overall health.
How do you get rid of the pungent smell of ofada rice?
This naturally has a pungent and distinct aroma that you cannot remove, no matter how many times you rinse it. The best thing to do is to serve it with fragrant dishes such as stews and sauces.
Is ofada rice the same as brown rice?
No, they are not the same. However, this is a variety of brown rice that you can usually encounter in African delicacies.
How to Cooke Ofada Rice (VIDEO)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups ofada rice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 4 cups water (to parboil the rice)
- 1½ cups hot water
Instructions
Clean the rice.
- Spread the ofada rice on a tray.
- Pick out the stones or chaffs.
Parboil.
- Bring some water to the boil in a pot over medium heat.
- Rinse the ofada rice several times until the water is clear.
- Add the rinsed Ofada rice to a pot of boiling water. Parboil for 5 minutes.
- Pour out the water and rinse the rice several times until the water is clear again.
Cook the rice.
- Season the rice with sea salt.
- Add hot water and mix it with the rice.
- Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the fire to low heat until the rice softens.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, check if the water is dry and if you are content with the texture of the rice.
- You can add more water and cook on low heat until you achieve your preferred texture.
- Serve with Ofada Stew or Fried Pepper Stew – Ata Dindin, or sauce or stew of your choice!
Video
Notes
- Buy ofada rice in grocery stores or African supermarkets for authentic variants.
- Remove the stones and chaff to prevent biting into harsh particles while eating.
- Add more water and cook further if needed.
Nutrition
