PREP: 15 minutes | COOK: 45-50 minutes | YIELD: 20 squares
This flavorful and unique appetizer is likely to become the life of your next party. Plus, it’s perfect for gluten-free guests!
COCONUT CASHEW DIPPING SAUCE
½ cup (120 ml) reduced-fat coconut milk
1 Tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
1 tsp (5 ml) low-sodium tamari
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground fresh chili paste (sambal oelek)
1 tsp (5 ml) honey, brown rice syrup or yacon syrup
1 tsp (5 ml) natural unflavored rice vinegar
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) sea salt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) creamy unsalted cashew butter
BROWN RICE SQUARES
2 cups (480 ml) medium-grain brown rice
In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients except cashew butter and whisk. Slowly start to incorporate cashew butter and then mix more vigorously until sauce is smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, rinse and drain rice well. Add 4 cups (950 ml) water and bring to a boil on high heat. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 45 to 50 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is cooked through. Remove from heat. Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of rice and place in a food processor. Blend until as smooth as possible. Stir blended rice back into cooked rice until mixed well.
Line two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans with plastic wrap. Divide rice mixture evenly between the two pans. Using a rubber spatula, smooth out rice and press it down firmly. Holding onto edges of plastic wrap, lift rice out of pans and place on a cutting board. Dip a chef’s knife in warm water and cut each loaf of rice into 10 squares, dipping knife in warm water in between each cut to prevent it from sticking to rice. Transfer rice squares to a platter and serve with Coconut Cashew Dipping Sauce.
TIME SAVER
Don’t have time to make the brown rice squares, but still want to enjoy the bright and exotic flavors of this dish? Cook the rice, scoop it into a bowl and pour the sauce on top.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER SQUARE + 1/20 OF DIPPING SAUCE:
Calories: 36 | Calories from Fat: 12 | Protein: 1 g | Carbs: 5 g | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Fiber: 0.4 g | Sodium: 18 mg | Cholesterol: 0 mg
