Aromatic red rice is mahogany-coloured rice that is minimally milled to keep most of its bran husk. It is also called Wehani rice. The flavours are nutty and sometimes popcorn-like. The rice is perfect for a rice salad because it is slightly chewy and does not get mushy. If you like goat cheese it can be sprinkled over the finished salad.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 2 cups red rice
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup pitted, slivered black olives
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Method

Bring a pot of water to boil. Sprinkle in rice and bring back to boil. Cover rice, reduce heat to low and steam for 35 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender but slightly chewy and water has been absorbed. Remove from heat but keep covered for 5 minutes.

Whisk together oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss half of dressing with rice and let cool.

When rice has cooled, combine it with olives, green onions, cucumber, pine nuts, dill and parsley. Toss with remaining dressing.