Tips for Cooking Rice Right

In all its simplicity, adorned or unadorned, rice can be a delicious accompaniment to the meal. When I was a child, in our household we knew of only one variety of rice. It was purchased exclusively and was the converted type of white rice. The box had to have the picture of the infamous uncle on the label. I don't remember any measuring of water and salt to rice. I can recall the open pot bubbling along, and within 20 minutes, a stick of butter was added to the finished product. The butter made the rice taste absolutely delicious. The preparation of rice in that way is just a faint memory—only a small blip in my cooking repertoire.

Because I require precision, many years ago I borrowed a video from the local library to learn how to prepare one of the first of many varieties of rice that would one day rightfully deserve a place alongside the wonderful veal, chicken or pork on the dinner plate. Or, it could be served under a saucy chickpea, green pepper, onion and tomato and sprinkled with a little cheddar cheese for a meatless meal. Here is a sampling of what I learned:

How to Cook Short Grain Brown Rice

• Wash raw brown rice well, swishing in a bowl of cool water with your hands; then, drain.
• Do not remove lid from pot during cooking
• Use one part rice to 2 parts water or broth. Examples: 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, or 11/2 cups rice to 3 cups water.

Basic Recipe for Short Grain Brown Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup short grain brown rice, rinsed
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

Add water, salt and butter to the pot and bring to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat to lowest setting and cover pot. Set timer for 50 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let sit 10 more minutes. Makes 3 cups.

Try it sometime: Tofu and Spinach Over Rice Recipe

How to Cook Jasmine Rice (Thai Hom Mali Rice - Enriched Thai Fragrant Long Grain Rice)

To rinse or not to rinse jasmine rice depends on the texture of the rice grain you prefer. If you enjoy a less sticky finished product, then try gently rinsing to remove the starch from the rice before cooking.

Ratio:

1 cup rice to 11/2 cups water yields 3 cups cooked rice
2 cups rice to 3 cups water yields 6 cups cooked rice

Method:

Add one teaspoon of salt per cup of raw rice. You can also add 1 Tablespoon of butter, if desired. If you prefer moister rice, then add 1/4 cup of additional liquid before serving.

In a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, bring water to a boil. Stir in rice, cover and reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Simmer for 17 minutes.

Recipe: Jasmine rice with toasted peanuts and scallions

Recipe: Thai Style Rice

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Basmati rice needs to be washed in cool water prior to cooking. Additionally, if you soak the prewashed, pre-measured amount of rice you plan to serve before cooking it, you will reduce the total cooking time by 15 minutes.

This rice is a bit complicated to cook. My best advice is to follow the instructions on the bag or box. Use the open pot (no cover) method. The grains will separate, which looks nice when served.

Ratio: 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water

Basic Recipe for Basmati Rice - India's Authentic Basmati Rice (White)

Hints:

Soak basmati rice for a half hour prior to cooking.
After soaking, wash rice using clean hands to swish it around in a large mixing bowl of water; drain.
Cook rice in a pot with a tightly fitting lid.
Do not remove lid while cooking.
Fluff cooked rice with a fork before serving.

Ingredients:

1 cup rice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon butter, margarine or olive oil
1 1/2 cups water

Method:

Add water, salt, butter or olive oil to a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil, stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes more. Serve. Enjoy!

Also try: Seasoned Basmati Rice with Raisins and Almonds

Article submitted by Maria G.

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