How To Make White Rice In A Pot

Hi All ~

I know making rice in a pot may be intuitive for some, but since I've come to college, I've quickly realized that many people have actually never made white rice before! Being Asian, even the thought is sacrilege.

So, here's an easy recipe for making rice in a pot! If you have a rice cooker making rice is much easier, but if you don't eat rice very often, a pot will do just fine.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (I use medium grain calrose) 
• 2 cup water or broth

Tools:

• A pot with a lid (make sure it's big enough - rice expands when it cooks! A two quart saucepan is a great size for one or two cups of uncooked rice)
• a fork

Directions:

1. First, wash your rice; this can be done by pouring your rice into the pot or a large bowl, then rinsing it with water. Make sure to drain out all of the water afterwards; if there is too much water, your rice will end up mushy. Do this a few times.
2. As you're rinsing your rice, you can pour the two cups of water or broth into the pot, and bring it to a rolling boil. Using broth will make your rice more flavorful, but the classic way is with water.
3. Once your water is boiling, pour back in your rice. If you would like, you can also add butter, or scallions for more flavor, depending on the dish you're serving it with.
4. Bring your water back down to a gentle simmer by turning the stove to low heat.
5. Cover your pot and cook on low heat for 18-25 minutes. Don't take the lid off before 18 minutes, as this lets out the steam and screws with cooking times.
6. Check your rice after 18 minutes; if it needs more time, keep checking at 2 minute intervals.
7. When your rice is done, it should be tender, and not crunchy. Don't overcook it into mush, though. Fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes; this will get rid of the watery sheen it has after it's done cooking.

Generally, a good rule of thumb about rice to water proportions is 1 cup of rice: 2 cups of water. I use a little less, because I like my rice to be drier.

And there you go! If you have leftover rice, it usually lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it will be best fresh or on the second day.

Happy Eating!

-Tiffany