Cooking rice in a regular pot requires a different procedure than in an electric rice cooker or steamer. Using a saucepan is sometimes more difficult, as you have to calculate the right proportion between water and rice, not to mention that you need to know when to change the temperature during cooking. However, it is more than doable - just implement the correct steps and practice. Once you understand how to choose the most suitable rice for your needs, measure the water and use the pot, the process will be really easy.
Ingrediants
- Rice
- Waterfall
- Salt (optional)
- Butter (optional)
- Oil (optional)
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Cook the Rice
Step 1. Choose any additional ingredients
For cooking in the pot, you will only need water and rice, but using other ingredients helps to make it tastier and improve its texture.
- If you want to add salt, measure a pinch for each cup of rice.
- Oil or butter allows you to soften and flavor the rice. Calculate half a tablespoon of butter or oil for each cup of rice.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. If you feel inspired, add seeds and spices to your liking. These ingredients will substantially affect the flavor of the rice, so consult your diners before using them.
Step 2. Prepare the rice
Calculate about ½ cup per person. Measure it and pour it into the pot. The rice should take up about ¼ of the depth of the pot, so use a large enough one. It is important to choose a pot of adequate size: if it is too large, the proportions between rice and water will undergo alterations; if it is too small, the ingredients could overflow.
Step 3. Wash the rice
Not everyone considers it necessary. It is said that rinsing it removes excess starch, preventing it from clumping. Pour some water into the pot until the rice is completely covered. Stir it with a spoon, then drain the cloudy water down the sink. To prevent rice from falling into the sink, use a spoon or colander.
Step 4. Measure the water using the same cup you used for the rice
In principle, a ratio of 2: 1 should be calculated. For example, if you plan to cook 1 cup of rice, measure 2 cups of water. However, this rule may vary depending on the rice chosen. If you use too much water, the rice will become mushy. If you don't use enough of it, it will stay tough. If in doubt, ask someone to explain or read the instructions on the package.
- 1 cup of brown rice requires about 2 ½ cups of water.
- 1 cup of wild rice can take up to 4 cups of water.
Step 5. Add the other ingredients, ie a pinch of salt and oil or butter
Step 6. Place the lid on the pot and let it cook over moderately high heat until the water comes to a boil
Keep an eye on the rice: on high heat it can burn immediately.
Step 7. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to low
Simmer the rice for about 10 minutes leaving the lid on the pot.
Check it quickly to see if there are any holes in the top layer of rice. This is a good sign, as it means it is absorbing water. Do not remove the lid for prolonged periods: steam is needed to cook rice
Step 8. Turn off the heat
Let the rice rest on the stove for 10 minutes without removing the lid. It is a step not to be overlooked, as the steam allows you to complete the cooking.
Step 9. Gently shake the rice with a fork or risotto spatula
Serve it as you wish.
Method 2 of 2: Choose the Right Rice
Step 1. Decide which type of rice you want to use
There are several variations: choose the one most suitable for the recipe you intend to follow.
Step 2. Choose long grain rice
It is a suitable variant for recipes where rice is not the protagonist. Dishes inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine also often call for this variety.
- Long grain white rice and brown rice are among the most popular varieties on the market. The former is soft and dry, while the latter tends to be more consistent and have a more cereal-like taste.
- Jasmine rice is soft and characterized by light floral notes. It is used in many recipes typical of Southeast Asian cuisine.
- Basmati rice has notes reminiscent of dried fruit. It is often used in recipes typical of the cuisine of the central-southern area of Asia.
Step 3. Choose medium grain rice
This type of rice usually absorbs a lot of water and can be quite sticky.
- Japanese-style rice is firm and often sticky. It is used to prepare various typical dishes of Japanese cuisine.
- Bomb rice is also sticky and absorbs a lot of water. It is generally used to prepare Spanish dishes such as paella.
Step 4. Choose a short grain rice
With the right amount of water, this variant can become sticky, even creamy. Try the following types to prepare soups, creams or risottos:
- Arborio rice has a rather gooey and creamy texture. It is used to prepare typical dishes of Italian cuisine, such as risotto.
- Short grain brown rice can also be particularly consistent and sticky.
Step 5. Use a particular type of rice
To make a dish acquire a certain note, aroma or texture, mix a particular rice with a classic long-grain variety.
- Wehani rice is an American brown rice. Brown-reddish in color, it can be easily mixed with other types of rice.
- Chinese black rice is another type of brown rice. Contrary to other variants of short-grain rice, it is firm and non-sticky. Once cooked it takes on an intense purple color.
- Wild rice becomes firm and compact during cooking. It is also characterized by a taste that is very reminiscent of cereals. It has a long grain and turns dark brown when cooked.
Step 6. Ask for advice
A salesperson or friend can help you choose the most suitable type of rice for the dish you want to prepare. If you don't have a specific dish in mind, it might be interesting to use a new type of rice just for the sake of trying.
Step 7. Buy your favorite rice
Long grain white rice is very popular and readily available at the supermarket. If you want to use a particular one, try going to shops that sell natural products or that specialize in selling international foods.
Advice
- If the rice has completely absorbed the liquid but is still hard, add some water and let it simmer.
- If the water has not been absorbed, cook the rice over low heat for another 2 to 4 minutes.
- Do not stir the rice while it is cooking, or it will become sticky.
Warnings
- Once the water is boiled, it is very important to let the rice rest for at least 10 minutes. Keep the lid on the pot, as it is still cooking at this stage.
- Keep an eye on it. Once the water has evaporated, the rice can burn very easily.
