Black Rice

Black rice gelato, Incheon, Korea

Black rice or "forbidden rice" is actually easily found in Houston area markets. It's a glutinous rice variety (no, that doesn't mean it has gluten), rather it cooks up a bit sticky. But it retains a wonderful chew and a nutty flavor all its own. It isn't like long grain rice, and does take a bit of skill to make properly (not to mention the coloration is water soluble, and may make the washing water alarmingly purple). It goes really well with the flavor of coconut - hence, the classic pudding, pulut hitam.

Pulut Hitam, Chilli Padi, Singapore