THE BASICS OF COOKING RICE

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Rice is one of the most common grains in our daily diet. It comes in many varieties but the basic cooking technique rarely changes. It is extremely easy to cook when you follow these basic steps:

  • Only pre-rinse rice when specifically directed

  • White rice varieties generally take about 20 minutes to cook

  • Brown rice varieties generally take about 40 minutes to cook

  • Wild rice varieties generally takes up to 1 hour to cook

  • Longer cooking times require more cooking liquid

  • Other flavors can be added before or after cooking

  • Long grain rice generally cooks fluffier and is more easily separated

  • Short grain rice is generally stickier and cooks more densely

Stirring the rice while cooking releases the glutens from the kernels, making it stickier, which is which can be ruinous to certain types of dishes and beneficial to others (for example, risotto)

The basic method for cooking rice is as follows:

  • 1 part white rice

  • 2 parts cold water

  • salt

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepot and stir once to moisten rice. Do not stir again during the entire cooking process. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Cook approximately 18-22 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and leave covered at least 5-10 minutes before serving.

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