LEMON DILL SALMON WITH FORBIDDEN RICE
This is one of my “one pot wonders” that is so easy to make and yet looks and tastes incredible! This dish includes celery, purple cabbage and forbidden rice. Forbidden rice can usually be found in health food stores and is dark black in color. In fact it is sometimes called black rice. It should not be confused with wild rice. The grain in black or forbidden rice is short and stubby, whereas wild rice the grain is very long and slender. Wondering about the nutritional benefits of black rice compared to other rices? Here’s a quick comparison.
- Polished white rice – contains 6.8 protein, 1.2 iron, 0.6 fiber.
- Brown rice: 7.9 protein, 2.2 iron, and 2.8 fiber.
- Red rice: 7.0 protein, 5.5 iron, and 2.0 fiber.
- Black rice: 8.5 protein, 3.5 iron, 4.9 fiber, and the highest amount of antioxidants of any rice variety.
In China, black rice is known for being good for the kidneys, stomach and liver. In ancient times only the very wealthy or royalty ate this rice because the crop was only grown in very limited quantities, closely monitored, and reserved for only the highest elite class.
1 Cup Uncooked Forbidden/Black Rice, Rinse Well Before Cooking
3 Cups Water
1/4 Head Purple Cabbage
8 Stalks Celery with Leaves
4 – 4oz Salmon Filets
4 tsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Celtic Salt
3 TBSP Fresh Dill, Chopped
1-2 Lemons
You will need a steamer with a bottom and top bin. In the bottom bin, coat the bin with 1 tsp of Olive Oil, then add the black rice, water, 2 tsp of Olive Oil and 1 tsp of Celtic salt. Cover and cook for 45 minutes. While the rice is cooking prepare the top bin. Coat the bin with 1 tsp of Olive Oil, place large leaves of purple cabbage in the bin, cut the celery stalks in half and add them next. Add 1 tsp Celtic Salt, then top with the salmon filets, lastly sprinkle the fresh dill over the vegetables and salmon.
After cooking the rice for approximately 45 minutes, add the top bin and cook an additional 10 minutes – or until the rice is fully cooked (all the water is absorbed) and the salmon is cooked to your liking. Serve with lemon wedges.
This looks and tastes very exotic, the purple cabbage will taste very sweet, the fresh dill and lemon make the salmon taste incredible. ENJOY!
NOTE: Forbidden/black rice usually takes a bit longer to cook than brown rice. Based on your steamer you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the rice is thoroughly cooked. In most steamers it will take around 55 minutesfor all the water to be absorbed and the rice to be cooked thoroughly.
