Does cooking rice means sticky grains that never seem to come apart from each other? Although many consider cooking rice tome the most basic of culinary skills, however, it sure is not as easy as it looks. Not knowing how to cook rice could mean grains who love to hug each other and never want to part. Eating rice that is sticky is definitely not a pleasant experience. When I serve or for that matter eat rice, I want it to be fluffy and each grain has to stand apart declaring its own distinct identity. That’s what well-cooked rice for me is.

Rice is an important part of most menus. Whether you decide to have it plain or flavored is your personal choice. For many cuisines across the globe, rice is an integral almost indispensable part. It really can be very frustrating to cook rice for a beginner. So here are my top 5 tips on how to cook rice:

1- Let the rice soak for about an hour before cooking to get rid of the excess starch. Soaking rice also ensures that it does cook faster. Soak rice in water and then wash well. Wash 2-3 times till the water gets clear.

2- Take a saucepan, and add 1.5 cups of water for a cup of rice. Let the water come to boil, now add in the washed rice. Let it boil. A rolling boil or water going on a real steamy hot boiling phase is what cooks the rice evenly and perfectly. Cover and let cook.

3- Once it comes to a rolling boil, cook on a slow flame to ensure that the rice does not burn or catch at the bottom of your pan. Stir 2-3 times in between. Cover and let cook.

4- Let all the water get soaked up by the rice. When the water is dry, check the rice it would be done. If you feel there is a 10% cooking still left , do not worry that would be done by just covering and letting it be.

5- Once the water is all dried, switch of the stove and leave the rice covered (it would continue to get cooked in the steam. Open after 10 minutes. Let cool for 10-15 minutes (if you try mixing the rice when it is hot it would get all mashed so have patience). After 10-15 minutes, fluff up the rice lightly with s fork. Cooking rice this way would ensure that each grain of the rice is well cooked and separated from one another. You can serve the rice with any of your favorite side dishes. Have a hearty meal with all the white pearls separated and smiling at you from your plate.