Rice is a staple food item in most households, especially in parts of Asia. Although, it is very easy to make, there is a certain amount of accuracy and practice you need to get that perfect pot of rice. There are various types of rice and each rice has its own cooking time and procedure. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment a lot with rice by adding vegetables, chicken or even lentils. Follow the steps mentioned below to make a perfect pot of rice.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 10-15 minutes
Resources Required:
1. Good quality rice
2. Water
3. Large pot
4. Well fitting lid
5. Salt
6. Oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the rice
- Washing the rice is important because it can cleanse it from impurities and dirt and also prevents the rice from sticking together and clumping.
- Take the rice in a bowl and wash it well under running water.
- Drain and continue the process at least three times or till the water is no longer white in color and running clear.
2. Soak the rice
- Pre soaking the rice is important because it would reduce the heat attacking the outer layer.
- The moisture penetrates into the grain, increasing the conductivity, thereby reducing cooking time.
- It would also make the grains less sticky and brings out a better texture in the rice as well.
- Use about double the amount of plain water to soak the rice and leave it untouched for about 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Boil the water
- Getting the correct measurement of water is very crucial in getting perfectly cooked rice.
- It highly depends on the quality of rice used. Some of the varieties would require exactly double the quantity or water whereas some would need a little more than that to cook to perfection,
- The first time you make rice, watch carefully and note down the measurements, so you wont go wrong again.
- But as a rule, if you have pre soaked the rice for about 15 to 30 minutes, then use exactly double the amount of water for cooking.
- Bring a large pot of water to boiling point and add the salt and oil and give it a good stir.
4. Cooking the rice
- Drain the rice and add it to the boiling water.
- Turn down the heat to a simmer and cover with a tight fitting lid.
- Time it as per the quality of rice used. Usually it takes any time between 10 and 25 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and wait for about 10 minutes without removing the lid.
- Then lightly fluff it with a fork, serve and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I cook rice in a microwave?
Using a microwave to cook rice is much easier and faster. Place a cup of washed rice with 2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl and close with a lid. Cook in the microwave on high for 6 minutes. Then open the lid and stir the rice with a fork. Cover and continue cooking for another 6 more minutes. Rest it for about 5 minutes and then fluff the rice and serve.
Quick Tips:
1. Cook the rice in vegetable stock or chicken broth for a very flavorful pot of rice or add some spices to it while boiling and get the desired flavour.
2. If you are cooking brown rice then remember that cooking time will increase.
3. If by any chance you figure out that the rice is under-cooked, then add a few table spoons of water and cover it. Cook it on medium heat for a few more minutes.
Things To Watch Out For:
- The water might boil over if it is kept at too high a temperature. Keep a look out as to when the water will start boiling to prevent accidents.
- If the water measurement is too less, then the rice can burn and stick to the pan making it difficult to clean.
