Ingredients
Plain rice
- 1 cup regular long-grain white rice about 185 g; not instant or parboiled; check package water guidance
- 2 cups water 480 ml; adjust to the chosen rice's package if it specifies differently
- 1/4 tsp fine salt optional
Equipment
- 2-quart saucepan with tight-fitting lid
- Measuring cup
- Fork or rice paddle
Instructions
Simmer and rest
- Check the rice package. This method uses regular long-grain white rice whose instructions call for 2 cups water per cup of dry rice. Rinse only if directed or desired for your chosen product, then drain well.
- Bring the measured water and optional salt to a boil in the saucepan. Stir in the rice once, cover and reduce the heat to low so the liquid simmers gently.
- Cook covered for about 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly. If the rice is still firm and dry, add 1–2 tablespoons hot water, cover and cook a few minutes longer.
- Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Uncover and gently fluff with a fork or rice paddle. Serve promptly.
- For saved portions, divide into shallow containers and refrigerate within one hour. Following this recipe's conservative rice-storage plan, use within 24 hours and reheat only once until steaming hot throughout; discard rice left out overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 0.3gFiber: 0.6g
Video
Notes
Estimated nutrition per one-quarter batch, based on approximately 185 g dry long-grain white rice at representative values near 365 kcal, 80 g carbohydrate and 7 g protein per 100 g. Water and salt add no energy; no oil or toppings are included. Product enrichment and values vary.
Illustrative ingredient-portion budget: dry rice $0.55 and salt $0.05, totaling $0.60. These are budgeting assumptions, not a current store-price quotation; energy excluded.
Video credit: Jamie Oliver. His demonstration uses basmati rice and a faster, higher-heat absorption method with several flavor variations. This card specifies regular long-grain white rice, a gentle covered simmer and a separate covered rest; follow the card and your package rather than combining timings.