Steamed Black Rice with Chinese Sausage

Like most working parents, at times I find it very challenging to balance between meal preparations and helping a child with homework.   In my quest to find ways to maximize my time, I came up with this recipe that allows my little “electric helper”, the rice cooker to do most of the work for me.   This dish is simple and easy, and yet very healthy and delicious.   

Serves 3-5

Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on your rice cooker)

Ingredients:

3 cups uncooked black rice

4 lean Chinese sausages, diced

2 tablespoons dried shrimps, chopped (optional)

Cold tap water (the amount according to the rice cooker)

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 scallions, diced

2 small fresh carrots, diced or ½ cup thawed frozen diced carrots

2 celery stalks, diced

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a rice cooker, add water, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimps to the black rice.  Steam the black rice according to the direction of the rice cooker. 

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet. Add scallion, celery, carrots and salt.  Stir to combine the ingredients.  In high heat, sweat the scallion, celery and carrots (about 3-4 minutes).  Set it aside.

3. Once rice is fully cooked, add scallion, celery and carrots to the rice. Combine all the ingredients and serve.  

Note: Black rice is known for its numerous health benefits and has been recognized as one of the “super foods”.   For more information about black rice. http://www.livestrong.com/article/155649-nutrients-in-steamed-black-rice/