Test Kitchen video tips: Toasting rice and grains for flavor

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As with toasting spices and nuts, toasting grains before cooking can enhance the nutty depth of the grains, lending an extra layer of flavor to a final dish.

Toast grains in a dry saucepan over moderate heat, just until they become aromatic and color a little. Rice can be toasted in a dry pan, or sauteed with butter and a little flavoring before the liquid is added to cook (as with risotto).

If cooking a large batch, you can toast grains in the oven. Spread them out on a sheet pan and toast at 350 degrees just until aromatic, 5 to 7 minutes depending on the heat and quantity of grains. Then cook, or cool the grains and store until needed.

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-- Noelle Carter
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Video credit: Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times