Cooking perfect white rice is simple but requires attention to detail to get the right texture. Here’s a basic recipe to make fluffy and delicious white rice:
Ingredients:
- Basmati or long-grain white rice: 1 cup
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Butter or oil: 1 tbsp (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice:
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Soak the Rice (Optional):
- Soak the rice in cold water for 20-30 minutes. This helps the rice grains to expand and cook evenly. Drain the rice after soaking.
- Boil the Water:
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and butter or oil if using.
- Add the Rice:
- Add the rinsed (and soaked, if applicable) rice to the boiling water. Stir once to prevent the rice from sticking together.
- Simmer the Rice:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as steam is needed to cook the rice properly.
- Check the Rice:
- After 15 minutes, check the rice. If the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s done. If not, cook for a few more minutes. If the rice seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Fluff the Rice:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips for Perfect Rice:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the rice from burning.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to trap the steam.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
Serving:
Serve your perfectly cooked white rice as a side dish with curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked white rice!
