How to Cook Rice

Rice is one of the easiest things to cook, and you don't need any special equipment to make it perfect every time.  All you need is rice (I use white long grain), water and a saucepan with a tight fitting lid.  If you have a glass lid with a hole in it, don't use it.  The hole lets the steam escape too quickly.


The amount of rice you use depends on how many servings you want.  One cup of uncooked rice will be about three cups of cooked rice, which is plenty for three people.  Use that formula to determine the amount of rice.  Now take double that amount of water, so if you use one cup of rice use two cups of water.  Put the rice and water in the saucepan.


If you want to add a dash of salt you can, but I don't.  In fact, I don't add salt to anything I cook.  You can also add a tablespoon of butter, but that is also optional.  Place the pan on the stove and over medium heat bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.  When you stir, really stir from the bottom to ensure that none of the rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan (which will cause it to burn).


When the rice boils immediately lower the flame pretty much as low as it will go without going out.  You only want the water to simmer from this point on.  Place the lid on the pot and set a timer for 14 minutes.  Do not lift the lid!  This is very important.


At the end of the 14 minutes, remove the pan from the stove, raise the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.  Put the lid back on and leave the rice sit until you are ready to serve it, or for at least five minutes.


Your rice will be fully cooked, not burned and ready to enjoy.  


Bon appetit!