What does the name Baldo rice mean, its description and characteristics, benefits and harms

Baldo is a large, polished rice that is widely used to make risotto. At the same time, not every person knows what the name Baldo rice means, its description and characteristics. This cereal has a rich taste. It is characterized by crystal-transparent grains, which, even after heat treatment, retain their structure and unique taste.

What it is

Baldo is a medium-grain rice that has elongated grains. They may vary in color - it all depends on the type.Baldo comes in white, clear and brown. The latter variety is also often called Piedmontese. This type is considered an expensive product.

It is important to consider that conscientious manufacturers ensure that there are no damaged beans in the packaging. If these are still found, there is no need to sort the cereal again. After heat treatment, Baldo looks uniform. At the same time, the texture and taste of the dish do not suffer.

Features of the variety

This variety is obtained from Arborio rice. Baldo is characterized by large and dense grains that do not soften during heat treatment. This product perfectly absorbs odors, tastes and liquids.

Classic Baldo is characterized by transparent grains that have a slightly yellowish color. The white variety is distinguished by elongated, but not too thin grains. When boiled, they are soft and quite meaty. This rice is easy to chew.

Differences from other varieties

Baldo is considered a pure variety. This means that there is no need to drain the water several times during cooking. You can rinse the rice 1-2 times or skip this procedure altogether. Another feature of the product is its lower starch content.

What chemical elements does it consist of?

This cereal has a rich and varied composition. The product contains a number of B vitamins:

1. B1 – also called thiamine. This substance has a beneficial effect on all systems.
2. B2 – this substance is called riboflavin. With its help, it is possible to activate all metabolic processes.
3. B6 – it is also called pyridoxine. This component promotes protein absorption and activates amino acids.
4. Folic acid is a vitamin of youth. In addition, this substance stimulates reproductive functions in the body.

Baldo also contains pantothenic and nicotinic acids. In addition, the product contains a number of minerals. This type of rice contains magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron. It also includes zinc, phosphorus, copper. In addition, the product includes 18 amino acids. It contains fatty acids. The energy value of 100 grams of this type of rice is 330 kilocalories.

Dietary benefits

All varieties of Baldo, except white, are considered an ideal option for losing weight. However, experts do not recommend using such rice for strict diets. To get rid of excess weight, you need to consider the following:

• eat right - eat rice with vegetables, meat, fish;
• spend more time in the fresh air;
• exercise;
• have the right attitude.

The classic and brown Baldo varieties are ideal for weight loss. These foods contain a lot of fiber. They also contain antioxidants. In addition, these products have a lower glycemic index compared to white varieties.

Long grain rice also contains resistant starch. It is a plant fiber that promotes weight loss and has a beneficial effect on the entire body.

Beneficial features

Since this type of rice contains many B vitamins, it has a beneficial effect on the functions of the nervous system and activates metabolism in the body. This variety is considered an excellent sorbent.It cleanses the body of excess fluid and removes waste and toxins.

The rice has a delicate texture. Due to this, it gently envelops the walls of the stomach. This allows the product to be used for pathologies of the digestive system. With the systematic use of Baldo, the following results can be achieved:

• improve sleep and get rid of insomnia;
• normalize kidney function;
• reduce the content of bad cholesterol;
• provide energy reserves for the whole day.

This product is gluten free. Due to this, it does not cause allergic reactions, is easily digestible and leads to a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Contraindications

This type of rice is not recommended for people who are prone to constipation. Cereal can provoke colic and flatulence. If such problems arise, you need to reduce your rice consumption to once a week.

It is important to consider that with systematic consumption of rice, there is a risk of rapid removal of potassium from the body. This has a bad effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

Application

Baldo rice is actively used in cooking. It is especially useful to use the product for preparing classic Italian dishes. This grain is usually used for risotto. This variety is also great for porridges, soufflés and puddings.

This rice perfectly complements dietary dishes. It can be used to lose excess weight and to combat pathologies of the digestive system.

To get a tasty and healthy product, it is important to cook Baldo correctly. This grain is not washed before heat treatment. It is important to consider that such rice absorbs a large amount of liquid. Therefore, it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2.

White and classic Baldo need to be cooked for 20 minutes. The Piedmontese variety requires much more heat treatment. Cooking time reaches 1 hour.

It is recommended to cook rice in a saucepan with a thick bottom. In this case, it is recommended to distribute the cereal evenly in boiling water. First, bring the rice to a boil over high heat, then reduce it and wait 10 minutes. To separate the grains, the finished rice needs to be stirred with a wooden spatula. This must be done while hot.

Popular recipes

This variety is perfect for making delicious risotto. This dish has a delicate texture. You can even cook pilaf from Piedmontese Baldo. This cereal is quite hard. When finished, it retains a crumbly consistency.

To prepare a classic risotto, you need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Baldo;
• 2 medium-sized onions;
• 3 medium celery stalks;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 1 tablespoon olive oil;
• 100 grams of butter;
• a bunch of parsley;
• 1.5 liters of broth or dry white wine;
• 50 grams of different types of cheeses - Parmesan, Talleggio, Gruyère are perfect;
• salt and pepper.

To prepare a delicious risotto, we recommend doing the following:

1. Take 2 saucepans. In one of them you need to heat the broth - vegetable, meat or chicken broth is perfect. In a second container, heat the olive oil.
2. Place onion, garlic and celery in heated oil. Fry all ingredients until transparent.
3. Add rice to vegetables. Cook until the grains absorb the oil and vegetable juices. In this case, the rice needs to be stirred constantly.
4. Add hot broth and stir constantly again.While controlling the absorption of liquid, add broth. This should be done until the rice acquires a soft, transparent and creamy consistency.
5. Add butter, grated cheeses and parsley. Turn off the stove and cover the dish with a lid.

Another delicious dish that can be made from this type of rice is rice milk pudding. It is recommended to use white Baldo for it. To prepare the pudding, you need to take the following ingredients:

• half a glass of rice;
• 1 liter of milk;
• 1 tablespoon butter;
• 2 tablespoons sugar;
• cinnamon;
• vanilla;
• raw yolk;
• raisin.

To prepare the pudding you need to do the following:

1. Place rice in a thick-bottomed pan, add butter, milk, sugar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. In this case, the mass must be stirred all the time.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. This will cause the rice to increase in size and acquire a creamy texture.
4. Remove the finished rice from the stove and add vanilla.
5. When the mass has cooled slightly, you can add the yolk to it and transfer it to the mold.
6. Before serving, sprinkle the pudding with cinnamon.

An excellent option would be veal curry with Baldo. To do this you need to take the following products:

• 500 grams of veal;
• 200 grams Baldo;
• 100 grams of leeks;
• 130 milliliters of dry white wine;
• 500 milliliters beef broth;
• 1 tablespoon olive oil;
• 2 apples;
• 1-2 tablespoons curry;
• 3 tablespoons light raisins;
• 3 tablespoons of pine nuts.

To prepare this dish, you need to do the following:

1. Fry the veal over high heat.
2. Add chopped leeks and apples to the same pan and fry for 2 minutes.
3. Add rice and lightly heat everything together.
4. Pour in the broth and wine, bring to a boil and reduce heat.
5. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add meat, curry, nuts and raisins.
7. Cover with a lid and leave for 5-10 minutes.

Baldo rice is a healthy product that has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body. You can use it to prepare a whole range of delicious dishes - risotto, puddings, side dishes, soufflés. It is important to take into account contraindications to the use of this product.