The Amazing World of Rice

150 Recipes for Pilafs, Paellas, Risotto, Soups, Salads, Puddings and More

William Morrow 2003, Soft Cover $19.95

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Rice, the Amazing Grain

Henry Holt, 1991

Out of Print

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Rice, the Amazing Grain was a book before its time. Written when Americans were still in the throes of their infatuation with pasta the only rice found in most markets consisted of three types: long grain white, Uncle Ben’s, and brown that was often rancid from sitting on the supermarket shelf too long.  Imported Arborio, Basmati, sushi and jasmine and some red and black rice was only to be found in big city “gourmet” stores or specialty markets. Undaunted, Marie Simmons, found a publisher for her first serious book, an in depth exploration of the world of rice. The recipes won the hearts of many cooking enthusiasts. Simmons was relatively unknown in the cookbook publishing world, yet this book secured a coveted review in the New York Times Book Review section, primarily for the inclusion of a dozen different rice pudding recipes (the reviewer was a rice pudding lover).

Fast forward a decade later. Simmons lamenting the demise (out of print) of her favorite cookbook to date (She had subsequently gone on to write many other books including two winners of prestigious cookbook awards), her editor at William Morrow encouraged her to write a sequel to the first rice book. The result is The Amazing World of Rice. A few (about 40%) of the recipes from her first rice book are included in the new, or  “second” rice book, but the remaining are new recipes using a wide variety of more exotic and unusual rice varieties now found in many markets throughout the US.  The Basmati, sushi rice, various types of risotto and paella rice, jasmine, black rice, and red rices of today are all included.

The Amazing World of Rice offers a vibrant, multicultural collection of original recipes with a broad range of different rices from around the world. There is an entire chapter dedicated to paella and pilaf, another on risotto, and one filled with mouthwatering rice pudding recipes. Most helpful is an intriguing rice glossary with descriptions of unusual rice varieties. The book offers dazzling proof that rice will always be much more than a staple.

Recipe Sampler:

·        Black Bean Chipotle and Rice Soup

·        Curried Coconut Rice with Cauliflower, Butternut Squash, Green Beans and Cashews

·        Lamb Kebabs with Persian Style Golden Rice.

·        Basmati Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk and Golden Cream

Praise for The Amazing World of Rice

“Simmons has a genuine palate, a commitment to seasonal ingredients, and the character to keep things simple.” Cooks Illustrated

“Rice comforts the body, calms the heart, and lifts the spirit. Marie Simmons’ book honors this simple grain with her collection of delectable recipes.” Su-Mei Yu Author of Cracking the Coconut and Asian Grilling