How to cook the perfect rice

Rice is considered one of the most important and traditional foods in most countries due to its versatility, availability and ability to supply an important amount of essential nutrients. It is also easy to grow due to its ability to adapt to different climates and soils, making it accessible in many parts of the world. It’s a staple food in many people’s diets due to its low cost and the fact it can be combined with a wide variety of other foods to create endless recipes.

Rice as a staple food

Rice is the main ingredient of the gastronomy of several cultures around the world, some of which include:

• Asia: Rice is a staple food in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and others. In these countries, rice is often consumed in the form of cooked white rice and is used as a base for a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet.
• Middle East: In countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and others, rice is a main ingredient in traditional cuisine, often cooked with meat, spices and dried fruits.
• South America: In countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, rice is traditionally eaten as part of regional dishes, often with meat, beans and vegetables.
• Africa: In some regions of Africa, rice is consumed as part of the traditional diet, in recipes where it is combined with vegetables and spices.

In short, rice is a main ingredient in the gastronomy of many cultures around the world because of its versatility, availability and ability to nourish and energise the human body, thanks to its carbohydrate chains.

Benefits of eating rice

While rice is an important source of nutrition, it can also provide some other health benefits. Some of the benefits of eating rice are:

• Source of energy: Rice is rich in complex carbohydrates that provide energy to the body.
• Source of vitamins and minerals: Rice contains B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.
• May help control weight: Rice is rich in fibre, which can help with feeling full and reduce appetite.
• May be good for the heart: Brown rice has a low glycemic index and is high in fibre, which may help control cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• It may help reduce the risk of diabetes: Like the previous point, brown rice has a low glycemic index, which can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.

How to make the perfect rice for any occasion

To take advantage of all the benefits of rice, one can start with the following recipe. Getting it right may vary a bit depending on the type of used, but this basic recipe will provide a starting point to refine the technique:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white rice.
• 2 cups of water.
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional).

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, add the rice to the water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add salt (optional) and mix well.
3. When the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.
4. Cook over medium-low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until water is completely absorbed and rice is cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let stand with lid on for five minutes before opening. Before serving, stir with a fork.

It’s essential to remember to follow the instructions on the rice package to cook the rice correctly, as they may vary depending on the type and brand of rice. In addition, to give the rice a special touch, one can add spices such as onion, garlic, ginger, among others, or add vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spinach and so on.

There are other preparations with rice try, such as those at successrice.com/recipes/easy-shrimp-fried-rice. Only the continuous practice of this and other rice recipes will lead to the perfect technique, knowing the different brands and types of rice within reach, and how they behave during cooking, alone and when combined with other ingredients.

The editorial unit