You’re probably here for one of two reasons: someone gave you a bag of Carolina Gold Rice, you spotted it at Whole Foods, or you bought it at a tourist shop — or maybe you’re wondering whether rice can truly be delicious. We all know rice is a reliable side, but can it be spectacular, comforting, or even a showstopper?
Yes — it can.
I walked past Carolina Gold Rice countless times while living in South Carolina and assumed it was a touristy novelty — pretty, expensive, and not worth buying. Who pays more than $6 for less than a pound of rice? Apparently, I do.
A few years ago I dove into learning about heirloom grains, especially those from the South. I discovered how industrial farming and milling changed these grains, and how many traditional cooking methods were lost along the way. That inspired me to revive those older techniques — starting in my own kitchen.
Now I want to share the result. If you find yourself asking, even briefly, “Could rice be the star of the meal, company-worthy, or holiday-worthy?” — you should try this method. It showcases the flavor and texture that make Carolina Gold special.
If Carolina Gold Rice isn’t available locally, you can order it from reputable suppliers that sell heirloom rice. It’s worth the extra expense for a taste of tradition. Try mixing in other Southern pantry staples if you want to add variety.
Make the rice, taste it, and tell others about it. Rice was once celebrated for its flavor, and with the right grain and method it still can be rich, fragrant, and memorable.
📖 Recipe
Carolina Gold Rice
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- 1 cup Carolina Gold Rice
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh herbs optional
Instructions
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In a large stockpot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil with the salt.
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While the water heats, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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Add 1 cup of Carolina Gold Rice to the boiling salted water and stir. Return to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Simmer 12–15 minutes, until the rice is tender. Expect about 15 minutes for authentic Carolina Gold; other rices may finish closer to 12 minutes.
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Drain the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.
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Spread the rinsed rice evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to dry and warm the grains.
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Remove the pan, dot the rice with 2 tablespoons of salted butter and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon black pepper. Return to the oven and bake 5 more minutes.
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Stir gently to combine the melted butter, pepper, and rice. Serve immediately, optionally finishing with chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
Use a proper fine-mesh sieve or a colander with very small holes when rinsing the rice. A colander with large holes will let the rice wash away.