Rice is a staple food for billions around the world. It appears in countless cuisines and carries cultural significance in certain societies. To begin with, there are two main types of rice. Long-grain rice: Known for its distinct, separate grains when cooked, long-grain rice is often used in dishes like fried rice and pilaf. Short-grain rice: This type has a stickier texture when cooked and is commonly used in sushi, rice pudding, and other dishes that benefit from its cohesive quality. Rice can also be a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. But with so many options, where do you begin?

Long Grain Rice

Long-grain rice is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here's a simple method to cook it perfectly. From here, you can add it to other dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat and simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
5. Fluff and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately.

Short Grain Rice

Short-grain rice is known for its sticky texture, making it ideal for dishes like sushi, rice pudding, and risotto. Here's a simple method to cook it well:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1 1/4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
4. Let it sit: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the rice to finish cooking and become even more tender.
5. Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately.

Secret Rice Tips

• The Fingertip Method: This is a simple way of determining the correct amount of rice and water, without using a measuring cup. Add the amount of rice you want to cook to the pan, making sure it is level. Then, place your index finger on top of the rice and add water until it hits your first knuckle/phlange.
• Don't stir: Once the rice is boiling, avoid stirring it, as this can break the grains and make the rice mushy.
• Adjust cooking time: The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice and your stove.
• Let it sit: After cooking, let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the grains to absorb the remaining moisture and become tender.
• Store leftovers: Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Use the right water-to-rice ratio: The ideal ratio depends on the type of rice. Generally, long-grain rice requires a 2:1 ratio (2 cups water for 1 cup rice), while short-grain rice needs a 1.25:1 ratio.

Flavouring Tips

• Add aromatics: For extra flavour, add aromatics like onions, garlic, or ginger to the cooking water.
• Use herbs and spices: Enhance the taste of your rice with herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, or coriander.
• Incorporate flavours from other dishes: Add leftover sauce from other dishes to your rice for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Rice On A Larger Scale

Rice cookers are a convenient and reliable way to prepare perfectly cooked rice, especially for a larger-scale kitchen or takeaways looking for a hassle-free and less hands-on approach. Most large scale rice cookers come with instructions, but the general rule of thumb is as follows.

1. Add ingredients: Add the rice, water, and salt (if preferred) to the rice cooker's inner pot.
2. Close and cook: Close the lid and press the "Cook" button. Your rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time based on the amount of rice and water.
3. Let it sit: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice sit in the cooker for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.

You might have to adjust the water-to-rice ratio, experimenting with different ratios can help you come up with your desired texture. Most rice cookers come with a measuring cup that is specifically designed for use with the appliance. Use this cup to ensure accurate measurements. Also, to prevent buildup and ensure even cooking, clean the inner pot thoroughly after each use. Most rice cookers also come with spoons for serving, however, if you find yourself needing spares, we have plenty of melamine rice spoons.

Rice Cooking With Cooksmill

Cooking rice doesn’t have to be complex, so why not give it a go for yourself by following our easy steps? Cooksmill has everything you need from start to finish, and you can enjoy free shipping on orders over £60 (excluding VAT). There are so many ways to experiment with this versatile dish, from sushi to biryani, so start experimenting with your cooking today!