What is Double Horse Matta Rice? Double Horse Matta Rice is a popular brand of parboiled rice originating from Kerala, India. It is known for its distinct color, nutty flavor, and health advantages over polished white rice.
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Grasping the Essence of Matta Rice
Matta rice, also known as Kerala Matta rice or red rice, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Kerala. It is famous for its reddish-brown hue, which comes from the outer bran layer that is only partially removed during milling. This partial removal is what makes it a type of brown parboiled rice.
The Parboiling Process: Why It Matters
The key to Matta rice’s unique qualities lies in parboiling rice. This process involves soaking, steaming, and then drying the paddy before milling.
Benefits of Parboiling
- Nutrient Retention: Steaming forces nutrients from the outer bran layer into the starchy endosperm. This means Matta rice retains more vitamins and minerals than regular white rice.
- Texture: It results in firmer, less sticky grains when cooked, making it ideal for various South Indian dishes.
- Shelf Life: The process helps preserve the rice longer.
Double Horse is a trusted name that brings this authentic rice preparation to consumers. When you buy Double Horse brand rice, you are often getting authentic Matta rice.
Exploring Various Matta Rice Varieties
Not all Matta rice is the same. Different regions and processing methods yield various textures and flavors. Knowing the Matta rice varieties helps in choosing the right one for your cooking needs.
Rosematta Rice vs. Standard Matta
Rosematta rice is a specific, high-quality grade of Matta rice. It is often favored for its bright color and superior texture after cooking. It tends to be slightly softer than some rougher varieties.
| Feature | Standard Matta Rice | Rosematta Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep reddish-brown | Bright pinkish-red |
| Texture (Cooked) | Firm, slightly chewier | Softer, more even grain |
| Ideal Use | Everyday meals, stews | Special dishes, plain steamed rice |
| Popularity | High | High, often premium |
Some brands also offer aged Matta rice. Aging improves the texture and flavor. The rice hardens slightly, leading to fluffier grains when cooked.
Health Advantages of Choosing Matta Rice
Switching from polished white rice to Matta rice offers significant health boosts. These red rice benefits are due to the retained bran and germ.
High Nutritional Content
Because Matta rice is parboiled rice, it keeps nutrients better. This makes it a powerhouse compared to white rice.
- Fiber Rich: The outer layer is full of dietary fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy. It also helps you feel full longer, which aids in weight management.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It provides a good source of B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin). It also contains essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
- Lower Glycemic Index (GI): Matta rice generally has a lower GI than white rice. A lower GI means the rice raises blood sugar levels more slowly. This is good news for people watching their sugar intake.
Supporting Digestive Health
The high fiber content in Double Horse Matta rice plays a crucial role in gut health.
- It adds bulk to stool.
- This helps prevent constipation.
- It feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
This focus on whole, unrefined grains is why many health experts recommend Kerala Matta rice for daily meals.
Better for Blood Sugar Management
For many, the biggest draw of brown parboiled rice like Matta is its impact on blood sugar. The steaming process in parboiling helps stabilize the starch structure. This makes it harder for your body to quickly convert the starch to sugar. Regular consumption can be part of a balanced diet aimed at steady energy levels.
Culinary Applications of Double Horse Matta Rice
Matta rice is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, though it requires slightly different cooking techniques than regular white rice. Its firm texture holds up wonderfully in various preparations.
Preparing Perfect Steamed Rice
Cooking Matta rice requires soaking and a bit more water than typical white rice.
Soaking is Key
Soaking the rice before cooking softens the grains. This reduces the cooking time significantly. Soaking authentic Matta rice for at least two hours is recommended. For aged Matta rice, soaking might need to be longer—even overnight.
Cooking Methods
You can achieve great results using a pot or a pressure cooker.
1. Stovetop Method (Pot)
- Rinse the soaked rice well.
- Use a ratio of about 1 part rice to 3 parts water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 30–40 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving as steamed rice.
2. Pressure Cooker Method
- Use a ratio of 1 part rice to 2.5 parts water.
- Cook until the first whistle blows.
- Reduce heat and cook for another 10–15 minutes on low heat.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
Traditional Kerala Dishes Featuring Matta Rice
Matta rice is the star ingredient in many classic Kerala meals. Its earthy taste pairs beautifully with rich curries and coconut-based dishes.
Idiyappam (String Hoppers)
While often made with rice flour, sometimes coarser Matta flour is used for a heartier version. The flour is pressed into noodles and steamed.
Appam and Stew
Fluffy, bowl-shaped pancakes called Appam are traditionally served with vegetable or chicken stew. While Appam is usually made from white rice batter, serving it alongside firm steamed rice with stew is a common practice.
Thoran and Mezhukkupuratti Accompaniments
These vegetable side dishes (Thoran is dry stir-fry, Mezhukkupuratti is sautéed vegetables) shine when paired with the hearty base of Kerala Matta rice.
Rice Gruel (Kanji)
In times of illness or for a light meal, Matta rice makes an excellent, nutritious Kanji (porridge). The fiber helps sustain energy even in this liquid form.
Selecting and Storing Double Horse Rice
When purchasing, look specifically for the Double Horse brand rice to ensure quality and authenticity.
Identifying Quality Matta Rice
Good quality Matta rice has a consistent, deep reddish-brown color. Avoid rice that looks pale or has too many broken grains. If you are buying Rosematta rice, look for uniformity in the bright red color.
Storage Tips for Longevity
Since Matta rice is a whole grain, it has natural oils in the bran. These oils can go rancid if stored improperly.
- Airtight Containers: Always transfer rice from the original packaging into airtight containers. This keeps out moisture and pests.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store containers away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.
- Pest Prevention: Some people add dried bay leaves or cloves to the container to naturally deter pantry moths.
Proper storage is especially important for aged Matta rice to maintain its desirable texture.
Decoding the Science Behind Red Rice Benefits
To fully appreciate why red rice benefits are celebrated, let’s look closer at what makes Matta rice different from white rice at a microscopic level.
The Role of Anthocyanins
The reddish color in Matta rice comes from pigments called anthocyanins. These are powerful antioxidants found in many red and purple foods (like berries).
Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause cell damage. By consuming foods rich in antioxidants, you support your body’s natural defense systems. This is a major advantage of choosing brown parboiled rice over polished versions.
Fiber Structure and Digestion Time
White rice is mostly pure starch. When you eat it, enzymes quickly break this starch down into sugar, causing a rapid spike in blood glucose.
Matta rice, with its bran intact (even partially, as in parboiled rice), presents a physical barrier.
- The fiber must be broken down first.
- This slows down the overall digestion rate.
- The result is a slower, steadier release of energy.
This slow release is why Matta rice feels more satisfying and keeps hunger pangs away longer.
Matta Rice in Modern Diets
Today, many people outside of Kerala are adopting Matta rice. They are drawn to its texture and health profile.
Pairing Matta Rice with Global Cuisine
While excellent with traditional Kerala curries, authentic Matta rice can adapt well to other meals.
- Salads: Cooked and cooled Matta rice works wonderfully in hearty grain salads. Its firm texture prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Pilafs and Biryanis: Its ability to absorb flavors without breaking down makes it a good substitute for basmati in savory rice dishes.
- Stir-fries: Use it as a base for quick vegetable or protein stir-fries, providing a nutritious foundation.
Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Free Goodness
For those with sensitivities, Matta rice is naturally gluten-free. This makes Double Horse Matta rice a safe and nutritious staple for individuals managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, much like other pure rice products.
Comprehending the Economics and Availability
While Matta rice is a staple in Kerala, its availability and price point can vary elsewhere.
Sourcing Authentic Products
To ensure you get the genuine article, always look for labels specifying Kerala Matta rice. Brands like Double Horse brand rice have built a reputation for consistency in sourcing and processing. Be wary of generic red rices that might not have undergone the full parboiling process, which is crucial for the unique texture and nutrient profile.
Value Proposition
Although aged Matta rice or premium Rosematta rice might cost slightly more upfront than standard white rice, the value lies in the added nutritional density. You are getting more fiber, vitamins, and minerals per serving. Considering the long-term health benefits, many find it an economical choice for daily nutrition.
Cooking Nuances: Achieving the Best Texture
Mastering Matta rice takes practice, mainly focusing on water ratio and cooking time. This section offers advanced tips for perfect results every time you serve steamed rice.
Dealing with Different Ages of Rice
The age of the rice significantly impacts cooking.
- Freshly Milled Matta: Cooks relatively fast. Requires less soaking.
- Aged Matta Rice: Has a harder grain. Needs longer soaking (8–12 hours) or a longer cooking time to achieve tenderness without becoming mushy.
Using a Rice Cooker for Consistency
Modern digital rice cookers offer a “Brown Rice” setting, which often works well for Matta rice. If your cooker lacks this, use the standard white rice setting but add about 1/4 cup more water than usual to compensate for the rice’s density.
Quick Cooking Check Table:
| Preparation Step | Fresh Matta Rice | Aged Matta Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Soaking Time | 2–4 hours | 8–12 hours |
| Water Ratio (Pot) | 1 part rice : 3 parts water | 1 part rice : 3.5 parts water |
| Cook Time (Simmer) | 30–35 minutes | 40–50 minutes |
Fluffing After Cooking
Whether you are preparing simple steamed rice or a complex dish, letting the rice rest off the heat is vital. This resting period allows residual steam to finish cooking the core of the grain evenly. Gently fluff the rice with a fork after resting. Avoid stirring vigorously, which can break the grains and release excess starch, making the rice gluey.
Further Exploring Matta Rice Varieties
The spectrum of Matta rice goes beyond just standard and Rosematta. Regional preferences dictate minor differences in hull removal and processing.
The Difference in Milling Degree
The term parboiled rice covers a range. Some manufacturers mill slightly more of the bran layer off than others.
- Heavy Milling: Results in lighter red rice, quicker cooking time, slightly lower fiber content.
- Light Milling (Closer to Brown Rice): Yields the deep color and maximum fiber, typical of authentic Matta rice. This type retains the highest red rice benefits.
When seeking the best health outcomes, look for labels indicating minimal processing or high fiber content, aligning with the characteristics of brown parboiled rice.
Double Horse Commitment to Quality
The Double Horse brand rice has established itself by focusing on quality control throughout the sourcing and packaging stages. This dedication ensures that when a consumer purchases their product, they receive consistent quality, whether it is their standard offering or specialty Rosematta rice. This reliability is crucial for home cooks who depend on predictable cooking times and results.
They manage the supply chain to ensure that the paddy is processed correctly to maximize the benefits of the parboiling process before packaging, preserving the inherent goodness of Kerala Matta rice.
Conclusion: Embracing a Healthier Staple
Double Horse Matta Rice offers a delicious, nutritious alternative to highly polished grains. Its parboiled nature locks in essential nutrients, providing significant red rice benefits like better digestion and stabilized blood sugar levels. From everyday steamed rice to special occasion meals, incorporating this authentic Matta rice into your diet is a simple yet powerful step toward healthier eating. Enjoy the unique, nutty flavor and firm texture that has made Kerala Matta rice a beloved staple for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Double Horse Matta Rice
H5: Is Double Horse Matta Rice gluten-free?
Yes, Matta rice is naturally gluten-free. As a pure rice product, it is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
H5: How long does it take to cook Double Horse Matta Rice?
Cooking time varies based on whether you soak the rice and if you use a pressure cooker. Generally, after soaking for a few hours, it takes about 30–40 minutes of simmering time on the stovetop, or about 20 minutes in a pressure cooker. Always allow aged Matta rice longer cooking or soaking times.
H5: Can I use Matta Rice instead of Basmati Rice in Biryani?
Yes, you can. Authentic Matta rice has a firm texture that holds up well to slow cooking and absorption of spices, making it a great substitute for Basmati in pilafs and biryanis, though the final flavor profile will be earthier.
H5: What is the main difference between Matta Rice and Brown Rice?
Both are whole grains, but Matta rice is specifically parboiled rice. Parboiling (soaking and steaming the paddy before milling) drives nutrients into the kernel, often resulting in higher retention of certain B vitamins compared to standard brown rice that is only milled.
H5: Is Rosematta rice the same as regular Matta rice?
Rosematta rice is a premium variety of Matta rice known for its brighter color and slightly finer texture when cooked. It often commands a slightly higher price but offers a superior aesthetic for serving plain steamed rice.