Rice is a popular dish across the globe, therefore, different people use different methods of preparation and cooking.
For today, we will know mistakes we often make when it comes to preparing rice and what to do about them.
- Balance is key
Preparing rice is easy, you just have to figure out the proper ratio of water. For a cup of rice add 1 and ½ cups of water.
If the rice grains are cooked to your liking, but there’s still water in the pot, don't try to cook the water off.
Instead, it is recommended you pour the rice into a fine-mesh strainer and, just as you would with pasta, drain the excess water and then continue with your recipe.
- Know the rice type
For each recipe you are preparing, whether it is pilau or normal rice, always do your research to know which option you will use.
Rice is often characterised as one of three varieties; long grain, medium grain, or short grain rice, which refers to the length and shape of the grain.
The grain size affects the texture of the rice, therefore long grain, medium grain, and short grain rice are all used for different cooking applications.
For better results, have specific brands you use to cook rice.
- Washing the rice
If you want a fluffy rice result, always rinse your rice before cooking. Rinse your rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
Not rinsing leaves your rise feeling gummy and sticky.
- Cover with a lid
If your cooked rice is looking dried out, or the texture is still hard or crunchy when all the liquid has been absorbed, add up to ½ cup of water and return to a simmer with the lid on.
Be patient. Don't raise the temperature to rush the rice, as that will just put you right back where you started.
- Fix the heat
After the first five minutes of cooking rice while it is covered. Remember to reduce the heat and cook over low heat.
This will allow the rice to cook with steam and cook well inside.