Soaking Rice Before Cooking
A simple yet effective trick to improve your rice cooking game is to soak the rice after rinsing it. Add just enough water to cover the rice and let it soak for at least 15-30 minutes before starting to cook. This technique works wonders for any type of rice, helping it cook faster and resulting in fluffier, more nutritious grains.
Cooking Rice with Ice Cubes
Embrace the Japanese method of cooking rice by adding 2-3 ice cubes to the pot after you’ve added water. Let the ice sit for about 15 minutes before turning on the heat. The ice cubes slow down the water absorption process, resulting in firmer, chewier rice with increased amino acids and a sweeter flavor.
Enhance your rice even further by adding a tablespoon of butter or ghee, along with a few drops of lemon extract (or olive oil). These additions create a delightful aroma and make the rice fluffier and tastier.
Cooking Rice with Oats and Green Tea
Oats are a fantastic source of protein and cellulose, and adding a small amount to your rice will not only improve its taste but also provide various health benefits.
For a unique twist, try cooking your rice with green tea. This will not only impart a beautiful color and delicious flavor to your rice but also aid digestion. Just remember to use freshly brewed green tea and avoid tea that has been left overnight.
Fluffing and Steaming Rice
Once your rice is cooked, don’t be too quick to remove it from the heat. Use a spoon to gently fluff the rice, allowing it to sit for about a minute to release excess steam. Then, cover the pot again and let it rest for an additional 10 minutes before serving. This simple step ensures your rice is fluffier and tastier.
Reviving Leftover Rice
When reheating rice, add a few drops of vinegar or a small amount of salted water to restore its flavor and freshness. This trick will make your rice taste as good as new, without any hint of vinegar sourness.
Preventing Rice from Spoiling
During the summer, rice can spoil quickly due to bacterial growth. To extend its shelf life, add a small amount of vinegar (2-3 ml per 1.5 kg of rice) to the pot. Vinegar helps keep the rice whiter and prevents it from spoiling or turning sour. If you don’t have vinegar on hand, lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
With just a few simple tweaks to your rice cooking routine, you can achieve delicious, fluffy rice for your everyday meals. So, why wait? Try out these tips and enjoy the perfect pot of rice!