soak the rice (and all grains and pulses)
Rice and all grains contain phytic acid, which prevents the nourishing stuff being digested; apparently not soaking rice is a contributing factor to starvation in Africa (I am not starting a political debate). It is much better to soak all grains and pulses. Another side effect from not soaking beans can be seen with excess flatulence! The trick is to soak them overnight in water, if you are extra keen you can then cook the rice slowly (2 hours) with seaweed, whey or meat stock. By soaking and cooking with flavours it should make the rice far more palletable for kids. There's loads of stuff on the internet if you are interested. I find frying off the brown rice after soaking and cooking makes it more palletable for my 16 month old daughter. I know it seems a lot of effort but worth a try.
Rice and all grains contain phytic acid, which prevents the nourishing stuff being digested; apparently not soaking rice is a contributing factor to starvation in Africa (I am not starting a political debate). It is much better to soak all grains and pulses. Another side effect from not soaking beans can be seen with excess flatulence! The trick is to soak them overnight in water, if you are extra keen you can then cook the rice slowly (2 hours) with seaweed, whey or meat stock. By soaking and cooking with flavours it should make the rice far more palletable for kids. There's loads of stuff on the internet if you are interested. I find frying off the brown rice after soaking and cooking makes it more palletable for my 16 month old daughter. I know it seems a lot of effort but worth a try.
