Italian Rice

Italian rice is the name commonly given to rounder, shorter-grain rice of the kind used in Italian cooking. As it cooks it releases starch, which gives dishes a soft, creamy texture. It is best known for risotto, where it is stirred slowly with warm stock, and it also suits rice puddings, baked rice dishes, soups and stuffed vegetables. At Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, Italian rice is sold by the kilo. Dekenet Al Nes is a package-free grocery and a solidarity initiative started by young Lebanese people after the economic crisis that began in 2019, offering basic goods at affordable prices. Customers are encouraged to bring their own jars, bags or containers and fill only the amount they need, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.