Hosts cooking for a group
You’re looking for a rice side dish in a pack size that suits the number of people at your table, without choosing a variety that doesn’t suit the dish.
Who is this guide for?
Cooks preparing a specific dish
You’re planning a risotto or a fragrant side dish, and want to choose your rice based on the texture or aroma you’re looking for.
Shoppers who care about Camargue origin
You’re looking for Camargue PGI rice and checking its variety and grain shape for the recipe you have in mind. INAO states that this PGI covers, among other types, both round- and long-grain rice.
What should you look for?
First decide whether the rice will be a side dish or the main event, such as a risotto. Then check the pack size and cooking instructions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | The pack’s net weight and how much you’ll need for your guests. | When I’m having several people over, I want to make sure there’s enough rice without buying a pack that’s far too large. Around 46% of shoppers would put choosing the right quantity first. |
| Rice to suit the dish | The grain type for a side dish, a fragrant rice dish or risotto; and the origin, if that matters to you. | If I’m making a risotto or a fragrant side dish, I choose the variety to suit the result I’m after. Around 36% of shoppers would put how well the rice suits the recipe ahead of other criteria. |
| Preparation | The stated cooking time and method on the pack, including absorption cooking or boiling in a large volume of water. | When I have several dishes to prepare, I want to be able to plan the rice around the rest of the meal. Ease of preparation would be the top priority for around 18% of shoppers. |
One mistake to avoid
-
Choosing long-grain rice for risotto without checking the variety
Carrefour’s ranges distinguish between long-grain rice and rice intended for risotto, so the word “rice” alone isn’t enough to identify the right product for this recipe.
For risotto, look for arborio or rice specifically labelled for risotto. For a side dish where you want separate grains, consider long-grain rice or basmati instead.
Rice brands to know when comparing different uses
Carrefour / Carrefour Classic’ / Carrefour Extra
These ranges include long-grain rice and Arborio rice intended for risotto.
- Product names make it easy to tell long-grain rice apart from rice for risotto.
- Check the variety and pack weight of the specific product rather than choosing based on the retailer’s name alone.
Ben’s Original
Carrefour’s product listing for Ben’s Original long-grain rice describes it as parboiled long-grain rice, suitable for a salad or side dish.
- The variety and parboiling process are specified for this product.
- This description doesn’t make it a substitute for a variety intended for risotto.
Taureau Ailé
The products reviewed include Camargue PGI rice; the right choice depends on the specific product and recipe.
- Auchan’s listing for Riz Méditerranée de Camargue IGP gives two cooking methods.
- According to INAO, Camargue PGI rice comes in several forms, with round or long grains. The PGI doesn’t refer to just one texture.
Golden Sun (Lidl)
Lidl sells Golden Sun basmati in a 1 kg pack for recipes that call for fragrant rice.
- Lidl gives a cooking time of 11 minutes for this product.
- Follow the instructions on the pack you buy: this cooking time applies to the product described by Lidl, not to all basmati rice.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose between two packs of rice for a dinner party?
First check that both types of rice suit the dish you’re planning, then compare the pack sizes with the quantity you need. Long-grain rice for a side dish won’t necessarily serve the same purpose as arborio for risotto or fragrant basmati.
Is Camargue PGI rice suitable for every recipe?
No. The PGI doesn’t refer to just one grain shape. INAO states that Camargue PGI rice can be round- or long-grain, and white, parboiled, wholegrain or semi-wholegrain. Choose the product to suit your recipe.
How long should you allow for cooking rice?
Allow for the cooking time given for the product and method you choose. Lidl gives a cooking time of 11 minutes for its Golden Sun basmati. Auchan’s listing for Taureau Ailé Riz Méditerranée de Camargue IGP gives 13 minutes when boiled in a large volume of water, or 15 minutes using the absorption method. Check the pack for the amount of water needed and whether the rice should be drained.