perfect rice??

[troot28]

What is the key to cooking perfect rice??
Everytime I try I end up with rice pudding!!
Step by step (idiot proof) instructions please as I am a man
Thanks

[The Big Gill]

I use a rice cooker, but a non-stick pan would do.

First wash the rice. Put the rice in a bowl (not the non-stick pan, as you might scratch it), add just a little amount of water and agitate - rub it together or put your hand in and stir it around, then rinse. Repeat until the water is (more or less) clear.

Place in pan, and cover with double the amount of water, i.e., so that the depth of rice is the same as the depth of the water on top of the rice, and cook loosely covered on a low heat - bring to boil and simmer until you see little holes appear in the rice where the water has bubbled through (don't stir it!).

[BBWCHATT]

Troot - Idiot proof instructions are as follows - it will work EVERY time - it is not technical or magic:

Non stick pan with a lid that fits it.

Measure 1 cup of rice (or a coffee cup or a bowl - any measure you want to use). Dump it into the pan. Measure 2 cups of water (or a coffee cup or a bowl - any measure you want to use). Dump it into the pan. The only thing that is important is that you use twice as much water as rice.

Bring the pan to a boil. Immediately turn the heat off. Immediately put the lid on the pan.

Do not touch it again for 15 to 20 minutes. Don't lift the lid - don't take the pot off the burner. Don't touch it. At the end of that time, take the lid off and eat the rice - or use it in any recipe.

[beryllium]

Hi there troot,

I use this. It's called a Rice Boy and it's fool proof and perfect rice every time. It's for the microwave.

http://www.riceboy.org.uk/

I cant recommend it enough!!! :-)

[masterchef]

Are you using long grain rice or pudding rice? That may be the problem, for savoury dishes you need to use long grain white or brown rice

[Lindylou]

Years ago I was told how to cook perfect rice (but not for puddings!). Lots of (slightly!) salted boiling water, in a large saucepan. Put in your rice. Boil until slightly 'al dente'. Strain. Pour over a kettle of boiling water. Perfectimundo!

[Gef]

Ignore all others BBWCHATT is correct. The method works every time.

However, I usually tweak the recipe as follows.

Saute the rice (I prefer Basmati) in a little oil first. Add boling water, keep on the lowest heat and cook for only 12 minutes (I like my rice to have a 'bite'). Also the rice will hold its heat, in a covered pot, for at least 20 mins.

The most important thing though is twice the volume of water.

If you like brown rice use the same method but cook for about 35 mins - until all the water has been absorbed.

If I want a flavoured rice (with a curry) I use a totally different method - jusk ask.

[Scarlett]

Buy Uncle ben's rice in a packet! It is GREAT. You can microwave it or put it in a saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water, and heat it up. The rice absorbs the water and heats up. perfect rice.