Vegan day 93: Miracle rice: shirataki

Shirataki- what? 
Now four people have asked me about this- what is it? I had researched it a little bit but since I stay away from pasta and noodles I didn’t venture over to tasting it, until a friend of mine brought it right over to me. Miracle rice.. hmm? The package says guilt free, zero calories, soy free and gluten free– what is this? Could this be the first time I allow something pasta-like back into my diet after eliminating it almost 2 and 1/2 years ago?


I have seen tofu shirataki noodles and now the miracle rice or shirataki rice. Shirataki is made from the root of the konnyaku imo plant (konjac plant). It is also known as elephant yam although it’s not a yam as we know it. What’s good here is the soluble fiber known as glucomannan.


Benefits of shirataki 
(summed up from an excellent blog post: Healthy Cooking Coach) 
are that it:

  • slows down digestion
  • slows down the release of carbohydrates
  • provides a feeling of fulness
  • allows for better control of blood sugar and energy
  • binds with bile acids enhancing excretion of cholesterol
  • is a welcomed food for those with diabetes, high cholesterol, constipation or excess body weight
WebMD says:
Glucomannan might work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fiber which treats constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the gut, helping to control sugar levels in diabetes, and reducing cholesterol levels.” See the reference link below for more uses and side effects. 



I added this miracle rice to a recipe from CLEAN START by Terry Walters:

Asian Spinach with Peanut Ginger Sauce


Spinach
Peanut butter 3T
Ginger freshly grated 2t
Tamari 1t
Maple syrup (organic grade B) 1t
Sesame oil or hot sesame oil 1/2t
Hot water 3T
Peanuts chopped 2T
Miracle rice 1 package




(1) First I opened the package of shirataki- so excited to taste it. I didn’t even need to cook it- I tasted it right from the package and of course, I liked it! I drained and rinsed it for 10 seconds under cool water, then I flashed cooked it as the packaging suggested: boil water and pour the rinsed rice into the pot- cook for about one minute and drain again. 
(2) I used a large bring frying pan and filled it with 1/4 inch of water- to a boil. Lower the heat, add the spinach for 30 seconds to 2 minutes so the spinach still has form. 
(3) Separately, whisk together peanut butter, ginger, tamari, maple syrup, sesame oil and hot water. 


Drain the spinach well and then place in serving dish. Add the miracle rice on top. Drizzle the sauce over both and finish off with peanuts. Ok my peanut sauce is a little thick- I probably was heavy handed while measuring the peanut butter and maple syrup-oops- guilty pleasures!


I actually loved the miracle rice and will now implement this into my weekly diet. It’s super fast- you can eat it right out of the package. It adds soluble fiber to any meal and its zero calories- really- need I say more!


The package is simply purified water, konnyaku (Glucomannan) and Calcium Hydroxide. 
Interestingly, the label reads ZERO in every category including calories, carbohydrates and sugar– except for one– and that’s IRON @ 8%. 


Jackpot! 
This x-pasta user recovering from past pasta addiction finally approves a pasta-like food!  




References:
Chef Rachel. (2009). Health Cooking Coach… Inspiring Healthy Choices. Miracle Noodles. Retrieved from: http://www.thehealthycookingcoach.com/2009/04/miracle-noodles.html


Miracle Noodle News Report (YouTube)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaCGfC6FdkA&feature=player_embedded#!


Web MD. Glucomannan. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-205-GLUCOMANNAN.aspx?activeIngredientId=205&activeIngredientName=GLUCOMANNAN

WHERE TO BUY THEM:
http://www.miraclenoodle.com/c-1-our-pasta.aspx#back 

Disclaimer: The information given here is for educational purposes only. You should not use this to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.
[Monday April 2nd 2012 blog]

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