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Plain cooked rice

Fluffy rice two ways: absorbed, or boiled and drained

Two reliable ways to cook plain rice. Method 1 lets the rice soak up all its water, for soft, fluffy rice to serve with curry and dal. Method 2 boils it in plenty of water and drains it, giving separate grains for fried rice, pilau and salads. Soaking first helps the grains cook evenly.
Total time
60 min
Difficulty
easy
Serves
4
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Ingredients

Serves4

Method 1: absorption

Method 2: boil and drain

Method

0/5 done
  1. Step 1: Wash 12 ½ oz long-grain or basmati rice in several changes of water until the water runs almost clear, then soak it for 30 minutes and drain.

    30 min
  2. Step 2: Method 1: boil 4 ¼ cups water in a saucepan. Add the rice and cook on a high heat for 5 minutes.

    5 min
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat and cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.

    20 min
  4. Step 4: When only a little water remains, cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice steam until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it up with a fork.

    5 min
  5. Step 5: Method 2: boil 6 ¼ cups water in a large pan. Add the rice and cook on a high heat for about 20 minutes, until tender. Drain off the surplus water and rinse the rice in cold water.

    20 min

Nutrition per serving

Calories
310 kcal
Protein
6 g
Carbs
68 g
Fat
1 g
Fibre
1 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does plain cooked rice take?
About 60 minutes in total: 35 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegan?
Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
What can I use instead of long-grain or basmati rice?
Any long-grain rice, same amount.

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