HOW TO: PERFECT RICE
For the last 20 years, my attempts to cook rice on a stovetop always came out crunchy and/ or sticky. When I wanted rice, I would either ask my husband to make it or use a rice cooker. Then about a week ago, while working with AP on the January recipe collection, she looked at me and asked, “did you rinse the rice?” How did she know I didn’t rinse the rice? I knew that it was time to make one more attempt at perfect rice on a stovetop.
The first step is mental. I had to stop telling myself, “I can’t.” Once I was over that hump, I asked my daughter, AP, how she made rice. In her true perfectionist manner, she had a very particular way of making rice. I knew I could simplify it. Lol Next, of course, was Google. I did some research on how to make the perfect rice. Finally, I combined all the commonalities in advice and gave it a try. No shortcuts this time. I knew I had the best formula for delicious rice, and I am happy to share it with you!
MAKING THe PERFECT RICE
Let’s get started! Gather 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of water, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of vegan butter. Now, follow these steps:
Measure out 1 cup of rice.
Place rice in a bowl, cover with water for rinsing; the water will be cloudy.
Gently agitate the water, use a strainer to pour off the water.
Repeat until the water runs clear. About five times.
In a medium saucepan, add water, salt, and vegan butter.
Bring to a fast boil.
Add rinsed rice and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Turn heat down to a low simmer.
Simmer covered for 16 minutes. DO NOT LIFT THE LID. DO NOT STIR.
Turn heat off.
Let rest undisturbed for 15 minutes. Then, enjoy!
Looking to add more flavor?
Here are a few tips to give your rice a little extra flavor:
Use fragrant rice, like jasmine or basmati. They might have different cooking instructions, so pay attention to the instructions on the back of the bag.
Toast your rice before cooking. Rinsing is great, but toasting is even better. Before boiling, add your rice to the saucepan with extra vegan butter. Toast grains until slightly brown. Add a bit of garlic at the end to amp up the flavor. Then, add water for boiling.
Use broth instead of water. Boiling your rice in vegetable or vegan chicken broth instead of water will add a hint of savory flavor to your rice.
Now that you have the perfect formula for rice, don’t forget to check out a few of our main dishes that are amazing with a side of rice: