7 interesting ways to reuse cooked rice water

When it comes to sustainable practices in the kitchen, every detail matters. For instance, the leftover cooked rice water, which is strained and mostly thrown away. But, did you know that it is a nutrient-rich water and rich in starch, which can be used in many ways in preparing other dishes, making it a zero-waste practice? From thickening curries to kneading dough, it can be used in many ways to make your kitchen one of the most sustainable one. Take a look at these seven interesting ways one can reuse cooked rice water in the home kitchen.

It is a natural thickener that can be used in soups and stews in place of cornflour slurry to get the right texture. All you need to do is, add it while stirring, when the soup or stew is 70-80% cooked.

One can also use rice water instead of plain water to knead dough for rotis, parathas, or even puris. It is said to make the dough softer and also adds nutrition to it.

Instead of plain water, use rice water to make porridge of daliya or oatmeal. It gives a creamy texture without using milk and makes the meal lighter on the stomach. It is rich in starch which makes the dish even more nutritious and quite filling.

While making chutneys, one can replace curd or plain water with this starchy water. It gives a silky texture, blends the ingredients smoothly and also adds a subtle sweet aftertaste that compliments the spiciness of the chutney.

Rice water can also help support the fermentation of batters like dosa, idli, or cheela. All you need to do is, mix a little amount of whey into the dough and let it rest. It helps the batter rise better and gives the final dish a nice texture and lightness.

It can be converted into a comforting side dish that goes well with rice or roti as well. All you need to do is add a ghee and cumin tadka to it, and season with salt and pepper. It is good for gut health.

One can also use the water in curries and gravies. So, in case you are running short on time in making a thick curry for veggies, simply add a small portion of rice water in place of regular water and your dish will be ready in a jiffy.

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