Rice 101

I got a comment on my Beef and Broccoli  post that read:

How do you cook rice??


And I was shocked when I realized that I haven't written about that yet! Making rice was difficult for me to do, so why wouldn't it be difficult for other people? So I apologize and here are the instructions on how to cook the perfect batch of rice. (I am giving you the basic instructions, then below that are tips to make this process as easy as pie)

What you will need:
- Rice (Brown or White. Super cheap at any grocery store)
- Water (from the faucet is fine)
- A Pot and a Stove (or a Rice Cooker. Instructions for that are in the "TIPS" section down below


1) Measure out the rice and pour into pot
      **RICE EXPANDS!!!! So if you are just making it for yourself, 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup will suffice**
2) Measure out the water - 2 parts water for every 1 part rice (ex: if you have 1/2 cups of rice, put in 1 cup of water)
3) Add in a few shakes of salt and a few drips of olive oil. (Do NOT put in too much salt! you can always add more later.)
4) Put the pot on the stove on HIGH. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to MEDIUM/LOW and let sit. 
5) After about 20 minutes (Brown rice takes a bit longer), your rice will be ready.
6) Remove from stove immerdiatly and fluff with a fork to stop the bottom bits to stop cooking


**TIPS**
* Brown rice has more health value than white, but both are tasty and I eat them both
* For a rice cooker - 
    - add the amounts of rice you desire and the amount of water needed to the cooker
    - plug in/ turn on. 
    - let sit until your rice is ready
* If your water starts to boil over, take the pot off the stove IMMEDIATLY and wait for the bubbling to calm down. Then turn your heat down just a little bit and place the pot back over the heat. 
* Rice is GREAT for putting in the fridge and eating later, so do not be afraid to make a little extra.
   - Sometimes rice gets a little dry in the fridge so when reheating, put about 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon (depending on the amount of rice) of water in a microwave safe container with your rice. Cover (This traps the steam and re-steams the rice), and heat in the microwave. Give the steam somewhere to go! So don't snap a tupperware lid on there. If you trap the heat, you will get a mini explosion that will make a big mess for everyone and possibly hurt your microwave. 


And lastly, do not be discouraged if you do not get it right the first time! Rice is an art and for some is easier than others. Me personally, it took me a while to master it but now I have it down! For others, rice is second nature and the easiest thing in the world to make. 
Don't be too hard on yourself. 
Be patient.
Have fun.


Until next time, 
~~Lucy