Typical horchata is gluten-free, very nutritious, and a plant-based sweet drink usually served over ice, as we know it, but you could find it in the form of protein shakes, at chain coffee stores, and in the flavor of numerous drinks. It can be made with lots of rice varieties, but can jasmine rice be used for horchata?
We could be facing a very tiring day, and yet we need to satisfy our horchata cravings and then, we are wondering if we could make use of the available jasmine rice at home to craft a delicious horchata instead of going to buy some other rice. Here is everything you need to know about making horchata with jasmine rice.
Horchata: What Is It?
Horchata is a rising force in U.S.-based restaurants. Its presence on menus has soared 24% in the last four years, as Datassential, a market research firm, discovered.
Horchata has dragged its footprint beyond the authentic drink recipe; it has broken onto the scenes of ice creams with its ice cream flavors trending in 2019. You may have also come across the Horchata Almondmilk Frappuccino sold at Starbucks.
Horchata has lots of variations. The horchata de chufa, which is said to have originated in Nigeria and Mali, is made with tiger nuts, rice, and vanilla. We also have horchata de coco made with coconut milk, which boasts a creamier taste.
There are over 30 variations of horchata you will come across, as different countries are customizing the taste with the grains, spices, and flavors more popular in their regions as the popularity of horchata keeps soaring.
Can I Use Jasmine Rice For Horchata?
Horchata is a drink that has a rich history of experimentation, which means a whole lot of rice, including jasmine rice, a staple in Chinese takeout fried rice, can be used to craft an amazing batch of horchata.
Jasmine rice is a type of long-grain rice, and it has a pliant, plump texture and a mild sweet taste, which makes it amazing for making horchata. To make horchata, brown and white rice, jasmine rice varieties, and any kind of rice can be used.
However, some rice has less starch, which means the resulting horchata drink may not be as creamy as when rice varieties with more starch content are used.
Health Benefits To Using Jasmine Rice For Horchata
These are some potential benefits you could derive from consuming horchata made with jasmine rice.
Jasmine rice is a great source of antioxidants, which aid our body in fighting off free radicals that damage the cells and also protect against oxidative stress. The brown rice version also contains lots of dietary fiber, which could aid proper digestion.
Jasmine rice can also aid heart and immune health as it contains nutrients like phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and B1. It could also help you achieve a smooth, intense workout as it can boost glycogen levels.
Are There Any Other Types Of Rice I Can Use For Horchata?
White and long-grain rice are the most common varieties of rice used in making horchata, probably because of their availability. In general, different regions will make horchata with their most beloved grains, but here are some common types of rice used in making horchata:
Brown rice
There are lots of varieties of brown rice, but we will focus on the varieties we have used to make horchata: short grain, long grain, jasmine, and basmati.
Brown rice possesses similar carbs and calorie content to the white rice varieties, but it has a richer nutrient profile since its bran layers have not been removed.
Brown rice also has a lower glycemic index (55), making it a better choice for people with diabetes. Whole-grain foods like brown rice are great if you’re taking the weight loss route since they have more fiber and protein compared to white rice.
However, there is a concern about its arsenic content, which could impact your health. The arsenic levels can be reduced by thoroughly washing the rice. Basmati and jasmine rice have the least arsenic content compared to other varieties.
Here are our preferred brown rice options for horchata and what they add to the drink:
- Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a unique aroma that blends beautifully with your vanilla essence. Jasmine rice has a mild sweetness and a buttery, nutty hint. It also boasts a slightly sticky texture, which could make your drink creamier, eliminating the need for dairy and making your horchata dairy-free.
- Basmati rice: this rice is distinguished by its slender, long grains and boasts a nutty flavor that is pleasing to the taste buds. Basmati rice, just like jasmine rice, hosts minerals like manganese and magnesium and contains carbs and proteins.
- Short Grain Rice: Short grains are great for making horchata. Their sticky and creamy texture creates an indulgent experience when blended and soaked in water. Its starch content creates a velvety texture that you’ll appreciate, and like every other rice, it absorbs flavors beautifully, enhancing the taste of the cinnamon, vanilla, and other ingredients used in making the horchata.
- Long Grain Rice: The long-grain brown rice variety has a firm texture and isn’t as fluffy as short-grain varieties, but it has a delicate flavor. Your horchata won’t be as creamy as when you use the other 3 varieties I listed here.
White Rice
All these brown rice varieties are available in white rice varieties. The only difference is that white rice has been processed and the bran has been removed. Almost all, if not all, varieties of white rice work just great for horchata, but here are the ones I have used: Basmati, jasmine, valencia rice, texmati rice, long-grain rice, calrose rice, glutinous rice, and short-grain white rice.
How Do I Make Horchata With Jasmine Rice?
These steps will guide you to create a delicious batch of homemade horchata with jasmine rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 4 cups of water (for soaking)
- 4 cups water (for blending)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the Jasmine Rice: Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch from the rice.
- Soak the Rice: Place the rinsed jasmine rice in a bowl and add 4 cups of water. Allow the rice to soak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This softens the rice for easier blending.
- Blend with Water: After soaking, discard the soaking water and transfer the rice to a blender. Add 4 cups of fresh water to the blender.
- Add Flavorful Elements: Drop in a cinnamon stick for a hint of spice and include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the aroma. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth liquid.
- Strain the Mixture: To achieve a silky texture, strain the blended liquid using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This removes the rice solids, leaving a smooth liquid.
- Sweeten to Taste: Pour the strained liquid back into the blender and add sugar according to your sweetness preference. Blend again to ensure the sugar is well incorporated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the horchata for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. Serve over ice cubes for a refreshing touch.
- Optional Garnish: Consider garnishing your jasmine rice horchata with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a decorative and aromatic flourish.
Whether served on a warm day or alongside your favorite sesame chicken dish or lumpia appetizer, I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with this jasmine rice horchata.
How Long Does Homemade Horchata With Jasmine Rice Last?
Homemade horchata with jasmine rice typically lasts for about 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. It’s important to store it in a sealed container and keep it chilled to maintain its freshness.
If your horchata is made without milk, it may last a bit longer, but using common sense and checking for any signs of spoilage, such as off smell or taste, is always recommended before consuming.
Can I Freeze Horchata Made With Jasmine Rice?
Surely, you can make free horchata made with jasmine rice for up to 3 months. Endeavor to make use of freeze-safe containers; leave some space at the top of the container; liquids expand when frozen. Once you’re ready to consume, thaw in the refrigerator and shake thoroughly before serving, since the texture may have changed slightly.
Final Thoughts
Horchata is a drink with variety as its backbone. Horchata can be made from almost anything, from sesame seeds, millets, and coconuts to different kinds of rice, and they always turn out great. Both the brown and white jasmine rice varieties can be used to craft a refreshing horchata drink.
