Black rice is a type of rice that is dark purple or black. It is also sometimes called "forbidden rice" because it was once reserved for the Chinese emperor and his family. Black rice is a nutritional powerhouse, packing lots of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins into each serving. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it a great choice for use in a variety of recipes. When it comes to cooking black rice, the key is to simmer it slowly so that the grains have time to absorb all of the water and cook evenly. This process can take up to 45 minutes, so be patient! Once the rice is cooked, you can use it in any recipe that calls for cooked rice.