Ham and Corn Braised Rice, unfolds like a rich and colorful canvas, slowly amidst the rising smoke. The golden kernels of corn resemble stars scattered in the fields, adorning this fragrant world. The deep red of the ham is akin to the sunset glow, adding a touch of unique color to this bowl of braised rice. When these colors come together, urged by the heat, they gradually release a captivating aroma, a fusion of sweetness and savory, warmth and fervor. It’s like a beautiful symphony, filling the air irresistibly. And the rice, like the bountiful harvest field, has absorbed the essence of the ham and corn, each grain plump and fragrant. Every bite seems to tell a story, a story about food, about life, about love.
Ingredients for Ham and Corn Braised Rice:
| Pork ham | 200g |
| Corn | 100g |
| Rice | 300g |
| Butter | 10g |
| Soy sauce | 5g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Cooking wine | 5g |
| Chopped green onion | 5g |
Step:
1.Take out a thick slice of ham and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, start slicing the ham from one side. Ensure that the blade is perpendicular to the ham and make steady cuts. Angle the knife slightly downwards and cut slices approximately 0.5-1 centimeter wide, ensuring that the ham slices are thick enough. Gently slide the blade to transfer the cut ham slices to a separate container or plate. Continue this process until all the ham has been sliced. This method will help preserve the unique texture and flavor of the thick-cut ham slices. Be mindful of safety while slicing and ensure your hands are protected.
2.Prepare a fresh ear of corn and remove the outer layers. Keep the corn upright on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, start at the top of the corn and cut downward along its length. Hold the corn with your thumb and index finger and in a stable motion, gently push the blade downwards. As the blade moves, gradually shave off the corn kernels. Make sure to keep the blade as close to the cob as possible to maximize the amount of corn kernels shaved off. Continue this process, moving the blade along, until all the kernels from the entire corn have been shaved off.
3.Pour rinsed rice into a rice cooker and add an appropriate amount of water according to the rice cooker’s instructions. Simultaneously, prepare a skillet and heat it before adding some butter to melt. The aroma of the butter will add richness to the braised rice. Pour the shaved corn kernels into the skillet and add two tablespoons of soy sauce. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly mix the corn kernels and soy sauce, ensuring that each kernel is coated with the flavor of the soy sauce. Then, use the same utensil to transfer the mixed corn into the rice cooker and give it a gentle stir with the cooking rice to evenly distribute the corn.
4.Heat the skillet again and sauté the sliced ham until lightly golden on both sides, allowing it to release its enticing aroma. Pour the sautéed ham slices into the rice cooker, mixing them with the cooked rice and corn. Next, add enough water to ensure that the ingredients are well-cooked and form a thick braising sauce. Add enough water to cover the ingredients but not too much. Also, add a pinch of salt to taste, adjusting according to personal preference. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of cooking wine can enhance the dish’s aroma. Close the lid of the rice cooker, start the cooking mode, and set the timer for 40 minutes. During this time, the rice, corn, ham, and other seasonings will gradually cook to perfection, creating a soft and delicious braised rice.
5.After 40 minutes of cooking, the braised rice is fully cooked. Now, sprinkle some fresh green onions on top to add extra color and aroma to the dish. Evenly distribute the green onions on the surface of the braised rice, then gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate the green onions throughout the rice. This not only enhances the visual presentation but also adds more flavor. Now, the braised rice is ready! Open the lid of the rice cooker and let the rich aroma of ham and corn fill the air. Scoop the braised rice into bowls, each spoonful packed with flavorful ingredients, and savor the warm and delicious texture. This ham and corn braised rice is a nutritious and satisfying dish, combining the savory ham, sweet corn, and tender rice. With every bite, you can taste the perfect fusion of each grain of rice with the ham and corn. Enjoy!
Tips:
1.To ensure proper hydration of the rice and corn, it is important to control the amount of water added. Typically, for every cup of rice, you will need around 1.5-2 cups of water. This helps achieve the desired texture and consistency in the dish.
The ham and corn braised rice is like a natural color palette, with various hues interweaving to create a magnificent picture. The golden kernels of corn gracefully dance among the rice, reminiscent of a golden wheat field in autumn. The deep red ham cubes resemble red stones gleaming in the sunset, adding a unique flavor to this bowl of braised rice. The steaming rice blends harmoniously with the ingredients, releasing an enticing aroma. Each grain of rice absorbs the deliciousness of the ham and corn, resulting in a satisfying texture that leaves a lasting impression. This ham and corn braised rice feels like a gift from nature, carrying the abundance of autumn harvest and the warmth of home, allowing people to immerse themselves in its flavors.