Plain Boiled Rice

A seemingly simple dish, plain boiled rice, serves as a blank canvas for culinary imagination. This article will walk you through the process of mastering the art of making perfectly fluffy rice every time. Understanding the particulars of this essential recipe can elevate your entire food repertoire, whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• 2 cups water
• tbsp olive oil
• salt

Directions

1. Firstly you need to wash the rice under cold water for a minute or two to get rid of the excess starch.
2. You need a medium-sized pan placed on a medium heat to warm through.
3. Add the Olive oil and heat it up.
4. Add the rice and gently stir the rice around so the grains are coated with the oil.
5. Add the 2 cups of water (This can be boiling water to speed up cooking time, but not necessary). Just make sure the water is double the volume of the rice.
6. Add the salt and gently stir the rice to make sure it is separated, this will be the only time you stir, place the lid on the pan and turn the heat down so the water is barely turning over.
7. Cookout for approx 15 minutes.
8. Resist the urge to stir the rice, you will break the grains and end up with starchy rice.
9. When all the water has been absorbed remove the pan from the heat, remove the lid and replace the lid with a folded cloth or tea towel.
10. Leave to stand for about 10 minutes. The cloth is going to absorb the excess steam and keep the grains dry and separate.
11. Now gently fluff up the grains of rice with a fork.
12. Serve.

Also Read: Buttermilk

Suggestions for Fluffy Rice

• Don’t Look: To prevent steam from escaping, keep the lid on while cooking.
• Hands Off: Keep your hands off the rice while it cooks to avoid a sticky texture.
• Perfect Pot: To ensure even heat distribution, use a heavy-bottomed pot.

Why is plain boiled rice preferred?

In a world of intricate recipes, mastering plain boiled rice is akin to learning the basics of a language. This simple dish teaches patience and precision, laying the groundwork for future culinary success.

Conclusion

Although plain boiled rice is a simple dish, its significance transcends its simplicity. It’s a step toward culinary confidence and proof that even the most basic recipes deserve our attention.

FAQs

Q: Is it okay to use any kind of rice?

While long-grain white rice is the most common, the technique can be adapted for other varieties such as basmati or jasmine.

Q: Is it necessary to rinse the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch, making the rice fluffier.

Q: What is the significance of the rest period?

Resting allows the rice to finish cooking with its own residual heat, resulting in a more tender texture.

Q: Can I add spices while the rice is cooking?

To add flavor, you can certainly infuse the cooking water with spices.

Q: How can I keep rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Sticking can be avoided by using a heavy-bottomed pot and controlling the heat.