Rice is one of the most popular additives used in various cuisines around the world. The method of cooking should be chosen in terms of its type and the dishes that will be prepared from it.
How to cook rice so that it is not clumpy and sticky? There are a few rules to follow to get it right. In this case, the most important thing is the amount of water - it should be adjusted to the amount of rice.
Tip
The rice should not be stirred during cooking as it will make the rice overcooked.
How rice is cooked depends on its type
When choosing basmati, brown or sushi rice, rinse it well beforehand to get rid of excess starch. Brown will also cook longer than white rice - each species has different requirements.
Short-grain rice intended, for example, for risotto, does not need to be rinsed, because the dish should be slightly creamier and most often it is cooked with other ingredients included in the dish. Unwashed rice contains a lot of starch on the grains and thus becomes sticky.
Step-by-step cooking of rice
Start by rinsing the rice and follow the directions.
Rice rinsing
It's a good idea to rinse the rice before cooking. Measure the required amount and rinse on the sieve, preferably under running water. The rinsing water is milky white, and when it turns completely transparent, your rice will be free of starch.
The amount of rice versus the amount of water
It is best to use 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. Then the rice will be loose. If you want it to be softer (e.g. in a stew) add 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and 2-3 tablespoons of oil and bring to a boil.
Cooking rice
When the water starts to boil, add the rinsed rice to it and bring to the boil. During this time, you can stir gently from time to time so that the grains do not stick to the bottom. When the rice starts to boil, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid
Rice cooking time
Adjust the cooking time to the type of rice and the consistency you want to achieve. Usually it is 10-15 minutes (remember, however, that not all rice is cooked that short - brown rice takes up to 40 minutes). After these several (or several dozen) minutes, you can take the pot off the fire. By using a lid, the rice should absorb water.
You can put the finished rice on plates or in bowls, serving as an addition to dishes, or combine it with one-pot dishes. It tastes great both hot and cold, and is often an element of salads. Rice can be eaten salty (e.g. with meat, fish, vegetables) and sweet (e.g. with applesauce).
