From The Inquistive Kitchen...Chefs' Cookware Blog
Rice Cookers
Cooking more than just rice...
The preparation of rice has traditionally been a cooking process, which requires attention to ensure the rice is cooked properly. Rice cookers simplify the process by automatically controlling the heat and timing, while at the same time freeing up a heating element on the range. Although the rice cooker does not necessarily speed up the cooking process, the cook's involvement in cooking rice with a rice cooker is reduced to simply using the correct amount of water. Once the rice cooker is set to cook, the rice will be cooked with no further attention.
Most rice cookers are thermostatically controlled so that when the water is all absorbed or boiled away the rice cooker switches to keeping the cooked rice warm, maintaining the temperature at about 65°C.
This fact means that rice cookers can have more versatile uses than just cooking rice. Have a look at the recipe for rice cooker beef stew here.
Zojirushi also provide ideas for their rice cookers here - including a recipe for authentic New Orleans Jambalaya!
