Preparation

1. Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic.
2. Add the parsley, salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the rice.
4. Cook briefly and let it cool.
5. Shape small balls from the mixture and coat them in beaten egg and bread crumbs.
6. Fry them patiently until golden.
7. Enjoy them just how you like, in the best company possible.

Rice: the cereal everyone loves

Two origins — Asia, the source of today’s common rice, and Africa, possibly the cradle of its ancient ancestors.

Rice is a staple food and the main source of calories for billions of people around the world.

Global production reaches around 800 million tonnes per year. The top five producers are China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

It is cultivated in flooded or irrigated fields using highly complex and costly systems.

Varieties of rice

There are over 10,000 varieties of rice, though the most widespread are indica and japonica.

There are many ways to classify rice. Here’s a simple list to keep in mind:

• Wild rice: the Asian aquatic variety is common, while the indigenous one, over 10,000 years old, was known to Native Americans
• Brown rice: light brown in color
• Precooked rice: reduces the usual cooking time from 20 to 5 minutes
• Parboiled rice: without bran, typical in Pakistan and India
• Pigmented rice: red or purple in color
• Sweet rice: develops sweetness when boiled, used in desserts
• Long-grain rice: requires little water, preferred in China, India and the USA
• Medium-grain rice: used in Valencian paella or Italian risotto, common across Latin America
• Aromatic rice: medium to long grain, such as basmati from India and Pakistan
• Short-grain rice: ideal for Japanese sushi, also common in northern China and both Koreas

Eating rice is good for your health

Its proteins and carbohydrates provide extra energy
Its fiber aids digestion and nutrient absorption
It’s low in fat, making it ideal for balanced, healthy diets
Contains potassium, beneficial for arteries and cardiovascular health
Its natural composition helps prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s

Beyond its health benefits, it’s always best to consult a nutritionist or doctor to understand the pros and cons of including rice in your regular diet.

Rice croquettes are simple to make — and everyone loves them, from kids to adults and the elderly alike.