Published on: Oct 23, 2024 By: Meera
How To Cook Rice Perfectly
Without a Rice Cooker
Rice is a staple food in many cultures and households. It is eaten with curries, veggies, beans, and tofu, and forms the base for many dishes such as fried rice, sweet rice, paella, biryani, and so much more! It’s so versatile. What can I say? Rice is nice!
Want to make the perfect rice that’s fluffy? Follow right ahead!
So fluffy
Notes:
1. The rice-to-water ratio and cooking time vary, depending on the variety of rice you select.
The grains of some rice varieties are tougher than others on the outside, which makes them absorb water at a slower rate. That is why the amount of water required and cooking time vary (for the same amount of uncooked rice).
Use the guide below to know how much water to use, and the cooking time (for every cup of rice) according to the kind of rice you are cooking:
- Basmati rice – 1 3/4 cup water (cooks in 12-15 minutes)
- Jasmine rice – 1 1/2 cup water (cooks in 15 minutes)
- Long-grain white rice – 2 cups water (cooks in 18 minutes)
- Short-grain white rice – 1 1/4 cups water (cooks in 15 minutes)
- Brown rice – 1 3/4 (cooks in 20 minutes)
2. Wash your rice well (like REALLY well).
Washing your rice gets rid off excess starch, which can otherwise hinder the “fluffy” results 🙁
Also, unwashed rice contains contaminants, dirt, and bacteria, which is not safe for human consumption in the long run. I’m sure you won’t be hurt if you don’t wash your rice just once, But, it is great practice to do so <<every time>>.
3. Here are the key takeaways to cook rice perfectly:
- Select the right rice-to-water ratio. This either makes or breaks the results.
- Ensure that the flame in on the medium–low, or the rise may burn if it’s too high.
- Do not disturb the rice during cooking, or while resting.
- Do not stir the rice while it is cooking, or immediately after cooking. This will make it gummy – it will not be fluffy!
- Sometimes, failing, understanding where you went wrong, and trying again differently is what it takes to master the art of rice-making. Don’t be discouraged if you get it wrong.
The Steps
Serve ’em up!
How to Cook Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice, uncooked use Jasmine, white long-grain, brown, or any other rice of your choice.
- 1 3/4 cup water * (see notes)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Ensure that your rice is fresh. Pick out any grain that looks “burnt” or black. Look out for debris or any creepy crawlies (bugs or even worms).
- Wash your rice thoroughly with clean water. “Agitate” the rice with your fingers as you rinse. The water will be cloudy at first. Rinse until it is clear.
- Add the rice, water, and salt to the pot. Stir for a few seconds. Bring to a boil.
- Then, reduce the flame to medium-low heat, and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for the required timing (according to the rice you selected e.g. basmati, brown, etc.) Do not lift the lid during the cooking time. No peeking 😛
- After the time is up, turn off the heat, and let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes, undisturbed.
- Then, uncover the pot, and use a fork to “fluff up” the rice.
- Serve with your favourite side dishes, with beans/ tofu, or have it on its own (that’s good, too). Enjoy.
Notes
- * Different varieties of rice require different amounts of water per cup of rice. See the guide above (in the “Notes” section) to determine the amount of water you will need according to the rice you are using, such as basmati, jasmine, brown, etc.
- Wash your rice really well to get rid of excess starch (which can make the rice gummy), contaminants, dirt, and bacteria.
- When your rice is cooking, or resting, do not disturb it (respect its nap 🙂 ).
- To store, let the rice cool a little before transferring it to an air-tight container. Let it cool completely before storing in the fridge for 4-6 days. Reheat in the microwave, until well heated through.
Rice is Nice!
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