Benefits of Adding Salt When Rinsing Rice
Rice is generally quite clean, but it’s still important to rinse it to remove any dust or impurities. However, it’s not necessary to overdo it. Aggressive scrubbing and excessive rinsing can strip the rice of its nutrients.
Vitamin B1, for example, is mostly found on the outer layers of the rice grain. If you rinse too vigorously, you’ll wash away a significant amount of nutrients, including glucids, lipids, minerals, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6.
So, when rinsing rice, a gentle swirl to remove any dust and impurities is all you need. There’s no need to rinse more than three times.
Adding a pinch of salt to the rice during rinsing can enhance the flavor of the cooked rice and even help preserve it for longer.
Some Other Tips for Cooking Delicious Rice
Soak the Rice Before Cooking
Most people will simply rinse their rice and then add it to the pot with water and start cooking. However, if you have the time, it’s worth soaking the rice for about 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the grains to absorb enough water, resulting in plumper, more translucent cooked rice.
Add Flavorings for Tastier Rice
When cooking rice, try adding a touch of vinegar (or lemon juice) to prevent the rice from turning yellow or souring. For every 1500g of rice, just 3ml of vinegar or lemon juice is enough. The vinegar will evaporate during cooking, leaving no trace of its presence.
Alternatively, a few grains of salt added to the pot before cooking can also enhance the flavor and preserve the rice for longer.
Another way to boost the flavor of your rice is to add 1-2 teaspoons of alcohol to the pot during cooking.
Cooking Rice with Boiling Water
Using boiling water helps the outer layer of the rice grain contract faster, preserving more of the valuable vitamin B1 and resulting in more fragrant rice.
Cooking Rice with Chicken Broth
Instead of plain water, try using chicken broth to cook your rice. This adds a savory dimension to the rice and makes it shine.
Cooking Rice with Coconut Water and Pandan Leaves
For a tropical twist, replace regular water with coconut water, add a few pandan (screwpine) leaves, and a pinch of salt. This combination infuses the rice with a delightful aroma and flavor.
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