Cooking is something that practically anyone can do. It's a relaxing and satisfying way to end the day and it doesn't have to be complicated. Boiled rice is a staple of many recipes and is extremely versatile. It is the ideal accompaniment to a meal and is easy to prepare if you follow these basic steps.
Ingrediants
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups of water
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making the Rice
Step 1. Use the correct amount of water
Remember that the proportion for making boiled rice is "one part of rice, two of liquid". So if you use a cup of white rice you need to add 2 cups of water. One cup is more than enough to serve two people. If you have more guests, increase the amount of rice and water respecting the proportion. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold the required amount of rice and liquid.
Although the type of pan used is not very influential, it is important that it is equipped with a lid of the appropriate size, to allow for an almost airtight closure
Step 2. Pour a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil into a saucepan
If you have more rice, add more oil. Make sure the pot is large enough to contain both rice and water.
Step 3. Incorporate the rice
Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the rice. Stir to make the oil absorb well. At this point, the rice should have a translucent appearance.
In case you prefer a drier, crisper rice, cook or fry it in oil a little longer
Step 4. Continue stirring the rice as it warms up
Sauté it for about a minute or until it turns deep white.
Step 5. Add the water and bring it to a boil
Pour in the water and mix lightly, so that all the rice is evenly submerged. Then stir occasionally, until the water begins to boil.
Step 6. Reduce the flame
When the rice begins to simmer, turn the heat down to low. After setting the stove to low heat, cover the rice with the lid.
Step 7. Cook it, without removing the lid, for 15-20 minutes
A longer time risks making the rice stick to the bottom. Do not remove the lid! This is a very important step because it is time for "steaming" cooking.
Step 8. Remove the rice from the heat
Turn off the heat completely after simmering. Set the pan aside, without removing the lid. You can let the rice rest like this until you need to serve it, but never less than 30 minutes.
Step 9. Finished
Enjoy your steamed rice!
Part 2 of 2: Optimal Cooking
Step 1. Use a rice cooker
A rice cooker will allow you to cook the rice in a superfine way. If you want to make rice frequently, consider buying one. It will simplify your life as a cook.
Step 2. Choose your rice carefully
Different varieties of rice are ideal for different varieties of dishes. Depending on the intended use of your rice, your purchase will have to focus on one quality rather than another. Some types of rice are drier or stickier than others, each has a different flavor, and has less or more nutrients.
For example, basmati rice gives a dry result, while jasmine rice is extremely sticky
Step 3. Wash the rice
If you prefer your rice not to be too sticky, wash it before cooking. The water will remove some of the starch improving the final consistency of the recipe.
Step 4. Soak the rice before cooking
Immerse it in hot water, the final texture of the dish will greatly benefit. Cover the rice with hot water and leave it to soak.
Step 5. Proportion the water to the rice
Long-grain rice needs about 360ml of water for every 225g of rice. Brown rice needs at least 480ml of water, while short grain white rice needs less liquid. When experimenting with a new variety of rice, take note of the amount of water used and the result and make any necessary adjustments in order to achieve the most appropriate consistency.
Step 6. Cook the rice with spices
Before placing the lid on the rice cooker, add some spices to flavor your recipe, then stir to spread them in the pot. Among the recommended options we can include: celery salt, garlic powder, curry powder and furikake (a typical condiment of Japanese cuisine).
Advice
- As long as you respect the proportions, you can use the liquid of your choice. Chicken broth is a possibility. You can also use some wine if you like.
- The great thing about cooking is that you can add or remove ingredients according to your taste. Aromatic oils, such as sesame, are flavorful additions. You can also add garlic, onion, or other spices if you prefer. The important thing to remember is to add these ingredients at the beginning, immediately after adding the liquid to the sautéed rice.
