Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine, basmati, or any variety of your choice)
• 2 cups water (for most rice varieties)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice:

• Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Boil Water:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. You can add salt to the water for flavor, but it's optional.

3. Add Rice:

• Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan.

4. Stir and Reduce Heat:

• Give the rice a gentle stir to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer.

5. Cook the Rice:

• Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-18 minutes (timing may vary depending on the type of rice you're using). For white rice, this is a general guideline. For brown rice or other varieties, you might need to adjust the cooking time and water amount.

6. Check for Doneness:

• To check if the rice is done, use a fork to fluff it. If the rice grains are tender and all the water has been absorbed, it's ready.

7. Rest and Serve:

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow any residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
• After resting, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

8. Serve:

• Your boiled rice is now ready to be served as a side dish, as a base for other recipes, or as part of your meal.

Boiled rice serves as a versatile and essential accompaniment for a wide range of dishes, from curries and stir-fries to beans and vegetables. You can customize it by adding herbs, spices, or flavorings to match your preferred cuisine.