White Rice

A pot of rice is one of the most elemental, universal foods, and yet even the most competent home cooks can still struggle to get it right. Yes, I’m raising my hand.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Add rice and water to pot.

Step 2

Bring to a boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally to move the rice around.

Step 3

Once water comes to the boil, drop the heat to a simmer for 1 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Don’t walk away. The rice is expanding and absorbing water, so there will be less and less liquid among the grains. Look for little sputtering craters to form on the surface.

Step 5

Once those craters form on the surface, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Then turn off the heat, leaving the pot covered and on the burner for another 10 minutes.

Step 6

Then turn off the heat, leaving the pot covered and on the burner for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to continue steaming in the residual heat and moisture.

Step 7

Now it’s time to fluff, using a fork, spatula or chopsticks. Circulating the rice can help soften firmer grains toward the top of the pot, as well as separate them.

Step 8

Re-cover and let rest for a final 10 minutes.