Cooking rice is one of the most fundamental skills in the kitchen. It's simple enough for even a beginner to master, and it's easy to make a variety of delicious dishes with it, from hearty stirfry to nutty sushi. And, just like hard-boiled eggs and basic knife tricks, learning how to cook rice is an essential skill for preparing healthy, homemade meals that your family will love.

 

How To Wash Rice

 

Rinsing rice is crucial for making soft, fluffy rice that's supple, not gluey. It washes away excess starch that can make the grain sticky or clump together.

 

Measure out your rice and pour it into a pot of cold water, then rinse it thoroughly. You can use a fine mesh strainer to do this so you don't lose any grains, and repeat this step as many times as necessary until the water is clear and the rice is free of any extra starch.

 

How To Bring Water to Boil

 

When cooking rice, the general rule of thumb is to use a 2:1 ratio of rice and water. This means that, for every cup of dry rice, you will need to add 2 cups of water (unless your rice calls for a different amount of water) -- this should be done carefully so as not to over-boil the rice, which can leave it mushy and sludgey.

 

Once the rice has been added to boiling water, let it simmer uncovered until all the water is absorbed and the rice has become soft and tender but not mushy about 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork.

 

How To Know When Rice Is Ready

 

Right after the rice reaches a hard boil, set a timer for 10 minutes and turn the heat down to medium-low, or as low as your stove can go while still maintaining a gentle simmer. When the timer rings, don't lift the lid or stir the rice.

 

Then, cover the pot and turn off the heat. The steam that escapes will plump the rice and allow it to cook more evenly without overcooking it.

 

How To Rest the Rice

 

When the rice has cooked, take it off the heat and let it sit covered for at least five minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture before it's thrown in the oven or microwave, and also helps the grains firm up so they are easier to separate. Check out this guide on how to make rice.

 

It's important to let the rice sit this way because it will prevent it from becoming mushy or squishy once it's reheated. It will also help the rice retain its flavor and texture, so it will be a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

 

How To Toast the Rice

 

To toast the rice, melt a teaspoon of butter in a saucepan and saute the rice over medium-high heat until it turns a pale golden color and begins to smell toasted. This is a great way to add texture to your rice, and it's also a delicious way to infuse aromatic varieties like jasmine and basmati with flavor.For more understanding of this article, visit this link: https://www.encyclopedia.com/food/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/rice-food.