Nothing is more satisfying than a good home cooked meal. Whether you live alone, with family or friends, preparing and sharing a simple dish is an invaluable joy. Let's start with the simplest and most versatile food: rice.
Long grain rice not only looks great but is tasty and easy to cook. As soon as you start preparing it, your home fills with its fragrant aroma, your belly rumbles and water pervades you.
Steps
Step 1. Start by buying the best variety of rice you can afford
Basmati is available in all supermarkets.
Step 2. Weigh the amount of rice you want to cook and transfer it to a container
Step 3. Rinse it thoroughly
It will take 2-3 changes of water before it begins to flow clear.
Step 4. Soak the rice in plenty of water for at least 20 minutes
In theory it would be best for 30-45 minutes.
Step 5. If desired, add salt
This way the cereal absorbs salt water and the flavor will be better. However, it is optional.
Step 6. Fill a large pot with a quantity of water equal to double the volume of the rice
Step 7. Bring it to a boil
Step 8. Add salt and half a teaspoon of oil / butter / ghee
Step 9. Add the rice
Step 10. Keep the heat on high for a minute or two
Step 11. When the water comes back to boiling, reduce the heat and partially cover the pot
Step 12. After 6-8 minutes check if it is ready
You can take a grain and squeeze it between two fingers, or evaluate cooking by eye.
Step 13. If you wish, add a few drops of lemon juice to the boiling water
In this way the rice grains will not stick together and will be brighter. However, this is an optional step.
Step 14. Once the rice is cooked it will be soft and puffy
Step 15. Drain the rice in a colander and place it on a serving tray, bowl or plate
Step 16. Add a teaspoon of plain or clarified butter and mix gently
Make sure you don't break the kernels.
Advice
- Use the best variety of basmati rice you can find and most importantly, afford.
- Don't mix the rice too much. You may break the kernels as they become very soft during cooking.
- With this process you can cook plain rice. It will be soft and tasty.
- You can add flavorings. Put some spices when the rice is soaking and transfer it with them to boiling water.
Warnings
- Do not salt the rice if you are on a low-sodium diet.
- Use a tea towel when you grab the lid of the pot in which the rice is boiling. It's very hot.
- Make sure the rice is perfectly clean before cooking it.
- Be gentle when rinsing it. Don't break the beans.
- Pour it into boiling water gently to avoid splashing.