Do the secrets of beautifully cooked, fluffy white rice elude you? Follow these tips for a perfect pot of rice every time.



1. Rinse the rice in cool running water to get rid of excess starch. This step helps prevent the rice from turning out too sticky. Drain it in a fine-mesh strainer before adding it to the pot.

2. As a general rule, use a ratio of 1¾ cups of water to 1 cup of long-grain white rice.  If you prefer your rice al dente, use a ¼ cup less liquid. If you favor moister, stickier rice, go with a ¼ cup more.

3. In a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring the water, rice and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the rice for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.

4. Resist the urge to peek at the rice while it cooks.

5. Let the rice stand, covered, for a minimum of 5 minutes to ensure a uniform texture.

6. Fluff with a fork and serve.
   

[Photo by 
Brave Heart, used under Creative Commons license]