Sukoyaka Brown Genmai Rice
If you are tired of tasteless white rice, let me introduce you to Genmai Rice. When I first tasted genmai two years ago, my first thought was that this rice was a miracle—it cooks quickly, just like white rice, but has the rich, earthy flavor and satisfying chewiness of great brown rice. Once you taste Sukoyaka Genmai, you will never go back. How is this possible? It is an American-grown short-grain brown rice that has had a portion of the outer bran layer is scrubbed away, allowing the grains to hydrate faster while retaining most of their nutritional properties. The nutty, earthy-tasting grains are distinct and just a touch sticky, making the rice perfect for accompanying stir-fries, curries, soups and stews, although I make it two or three times a week as a starter, for any sort of topping from steamed vegetables to quickly grilled chicken or steak. Matt, Card, our food editor, also swears by it for fried rice. He keeps a batch frozen in the freezer for a quick batch: Just defrost on the countertop, and it's ready to go for a virtually instant meal. Buy as much as you can afford, since genmai will become your go-to rice after the first bite.
Malony Glass Noodles (Harusame)
Translucent and slippery with wonderful flavor-absorbing properties, glass noodles (harusame) are a staple on Japanese tables. But many typical brands of these harusame get mushy easily and also have to be soaked or parcooked. Malony’s noodles stand out, since they’re made from a combination of potato and corn starches instead of the conventional mung bean starch. This makes the noodles able to maintain the firm, springy texture glass noodles are known for—so there’s no rushing to finish your bowl before they go soggy. They even keep their shape as reheated leftovers. Plus, there’s no prep required—simply add straight to your soup. Although they don’t have a strong taste themselves, the noodles beautifully absorb the flavors they are cooked in, making for a versatile pantry staple that’s a step up from what you’d find in supermarkets.
Wa Imports Matcha Green Tea Soba Noodles
Japanese soba noodles are crafted using traditional techniques handed down for centuries to achieve an optimal nodogoshi, or “throat feel”. And while we love the firm, nutty typical soba noodle, this one infused with premium green tea is earthy, fresh and elegant. Don’t be afraid of the flavor, it’s mild and wheatgrass-like, so it plays well with other tastes much like a plain noodle would while adding a little something special. plus, you can’t beat the soft, slippery, slurp-able texture.
#changethewayyoucook
