How to Cook Perfect Rice: Fluffy and Fragrant
This easy recipe teaches how to cook perfect, fluffy, and fragrant rice. Discover the secrets to delicious rice, complete with nutrition facts, prep, and cook times!
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 205kcal
Equipment
- Strainer Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
- 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinsing the Rice: Begin by thoroughly rinsing your rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This step is crucial to remove excess starch, which can make your rice sticky.
- Sauteeing for Flavor: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your saucepan. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion if you're using them. Saute until they're fragrant and golden – this is where the magic begins!
- Cooking the Rice: Add your rinsed rice to the pan, stirring it into the oil and aromatics. Toasting the rice like this gives it a wonderful, nutty flavor.
- Adding Water and Simmering: Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight lid and let it simmer. This is where patience plays a role – no peeking!
- The Finishing Touch: After about 18 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the rice sit covered for five more minutes. This resting period lets the rice absorb any remaining steam, making it perfectly fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains gently. And voilà! You've got perfectly cooked, fluffy, and fragrant rice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup (cooked) | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 300mg