To cool cooked rice without using the fridge, you can follow these methods:
Divide the rice: Similar to cooling stew, divide the cooked rice into smaller portions using clean, food-grade containers. This will help increase the surface area and promote faster cooling.
Spread the rice: Spread the divided rice on a large, clean, and flat surface such as a baking sheet or tray. Make sure the rice is spread out in a thin layer.
Fan or ventilate: Use a fan or create good ventilation in the room. The airflow will help dissipate the heat and aid in cooling the rice faster.
Stir the rice: Occasionally stir the rice gently. This will help distribute the heat evenly and speed up the cooling process.
Temperature monitoring: Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the rice. Stirring and monitoring the temperature will ensure that it cools down consistently.
Cooling cloth: If you have a clean, damp kitchen towel or cloth, you can place it on the surface where you spread the rice. The damp cloth will help absorb heat from the rice and aid in cooling.
It's essential to cool the cooked rice as quickly as possible to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. By dividing the rice into smaller portions, spreading it out, using fans or good ventilation, and monitoring the temperature, you can safely cool cooked rice without using the fridge. Once the rice has cooled down, you can store it in airtight containers and keep it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.